Coillte urged to replant native trees and create walkways near town in North Leitrim

Calls have been made for a first-of-its-kind amenity to be developed in Drumkeeran by Coillte.

At a meeting of Manorhamilton Municipal District, Cllr Mary Bohan requested that the MD contact Coillte regarding the application they submitted for tree felling on lands locally known as Frasers, located in the townlands of Cornacloy, Lavagh, Derrinurn, and Derrinweir along the R280 near Drumkeeran, and ask them to develop walkways for recreational purposes.

In her request, she asked the MD to urge Coillte to ensure that no further Sitka Spruce trees are planted in the area, that the original larch woodland be preserved, and that only native trees be replanted. 

She also emphasised that the area should be made accessible to the public for recreational use, with the inclusion of walkways and benches.

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Cllr Bohan noted that Coillte is proposing to replant Sitka Spruce, calling this a “mistake” given the opportunity to create an amenity for Drumkeeran.

“This is within walking distance of the village and would be a great amenity. As it stands, we don’t have any kind of park or walkway in Drumkeeran. To have this available to the community would be very good,” Cllr Bohan said.

She also stated that it would be an opportunity for Coillte to compensate for “the damage they have done,” citing that years ago people could fish in the small rivers, which is no longer possible, and she feels that 90 percent of the damage done stems from the Sitka Spruce trees.

Her motion was seconded by Cllr Fallon, Cllr Warnock, and Cllr Gilmartin. Cllr Gilmartin highlighted that Coillte recently announced they have reached a “biodiversity milestone,” with 30 percent of their estate managed primarily for nature, noting that this opportunity would align with that agenda.

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It was agreed that the MD would write to Coillte and also request a meeting with them.