Call for Leitrim community representation in forestry taskforce

Following Storm Éowyn, the Forest Windblow Taskforce was established, bringing together forest owners, forestry companies, Coillte and Teagasc.

The taskforce was formed to prioritise felling licences for storm-damaged areas and address challenges in relation to harvesting, haulage and sawmilling of fallen trees.

Cllr James Gilmartin has proposed that community representatives also be included in the taskforce.

Speaking at a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, he suggested that public private partnerships be included in the discussions, highlighting the Leitrim Public Participation Network as “the best mechanism to get community representation in regards to what’s going on.”

“They’re the people that are bearing the brunt of it,” said Cllr Gilmartin, referring to community members.

Major Leitrim project moves forward with construction set for summer

Construction for Phase one of the Glenfarne Woods Project is planned to begin in July or August with construction expected to last between four to eight months.

“I appreciate forest owners but a lot of what’s going on is due to poor oversight and it’s really important that people at the table have a voice going forward,” he added.

In a separate motion, Cllr Gilmartin called on the Municipal District to write to the Department of Agriculture, urging support for the many farmers and growers who lost critical infrastructure due to Storm Éowyn.

He specifically mentioned the damage to the polytunnels at the Organic Centre in Rossinver during the storm.

“They need support to keep their businesses going. I’ve been speaking with growers who are looking at options of polycarbonate, construction of woodwork, which are more expensive but we need some support given so they can keep going,” he said.

READ MORE: Fencing proposed as key measure to tackle growing deer population in Leitrim