There’s no shortage of lovely walking areas in Laois – but the felling of trees in some of the more popular spots has become something of a talking point.
And it was an issue that was raised at this week’s full meeting of Laois County Council with Portlaoise-based Independent councillor Tommy Mulligan proposing that the council engage with Michael Healy-Rae, the Minister of State who has responsibility for forestry.
“In recent months, large sections of our forests have been harvested around the county,” said Cllr Mulligan.
“I have no issue with the harvesting our forests. I totally understand the commercial side of it.
“But I do have an issue with Coillte Ireland harvesting our public amenity areas. The three areas I have first-hand experience of is Togher Woods in Portlaoise, Stradbally Woods and the Lost Village in the Slieve Blooms.
“Large sections have been harvested which have completely disrupted the natural appearance and natural beauty of these areas.
“It has destroyed certain sections of Togher Woods – the walking tracks in the forest are used on a daily basis by hundreds of members of the public.
“The public are really disappointed with the sections of the forest that have been harvested out there particularly at the entrance where we had a lovely thriving forest now we are being greeted to open spaces of tree stumps.
“It is my strong opinion that our public amenities should be protected and Coillte should not be harvesting trees near our walking trails.
“Sections of the Lost Village loop in the Slieve Blooms have also been destroyed – this is a very popular loop for walkers and hikers and huge sections have been harvested up there – they have taken away the natural beauty of the place.”
Cllr Paddy Buggy offered an alternative view, saying “we need less regulation, not more of it”. “These areas have been planted for timber production first and foremost – then we decided to add walking routes into them,” he said.
“I understand where you are coming from but forestry is a business and that is the nature of the industry.”
Cllr Aisling Moran and Cllr Padraig Fleming both also spoke on the issue with Cllr Fleming saying he was shocked on a recent trip to the Ridge of Capard where there had been a large section “had been fairly significantly cut back”.
