Coillte and councillors discuss vision for first-of-its-kind amenity in North Leitrim village
Representatives from Coillte attended a meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District to discuss the potential for a forestry recreational development at Lavagh that would link directly to Drumkeeran.
More steps are being taken to pursue the creation of a first-of-its-kind amenity for Drumkeeran through a proposed recreational development at Lavagh.
Representatives from Coillte attended a meeting of the Manorhamilton Municipal District to discuss the possibility of progressing this plan.
The meeting followed a motion brought forward by Cllr Bohan in September, which sought the development of walkways and benches at the site and requested that no further Sitka Spruce be planted.
At the November meeting, David Walsh, Resource Manager with Coillte, informed councillors that the Lavagh property consists of 19 hectares, planted in 1994 with spruce, and that it was significantly damaged by Storm Éowyn in January.
He explained that Coillte intends to recover as much timber as possible and replant spruce on the site, and that they are currently in the process of securing a licence to proceed.
Cllr Bohan rejected the proposal to replant spruce, highlighting instead the chance to create a new recreational development for Drumkeeran.
“It’s close to the village and would be an absolutely fantastic amenity that we don’t have. We want to see it developed for that purpose and wouldn’t be happy with spruce being replanted. Coillte has acquired a lot of forestry in the area and this would be an opportunity to give something back and work with the community,” she said.
Describing the location as “ideal,” she added that a community group in Drumkeeran is ready to work with Coillte to make the project a reality.
Coillte representatives noted that “the most important thing is community group involvement,” and pointed out that a footpath linking the village to the woodland would be required, which would fall under the Council’s remit.
It was agreed that the community group wishing to take part should submit an online application to Coillte with the local authority’s support.