Council urged to object to new forest

THE Council has been urged to make a submission to the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine about an application to plant a forest at Killery, on the shores of Lough Gill.

“This really is a case of history repeating itself, but I don’t know if it is tragedy or farce,” said Councillor Thomas Healy, who tabled the motion.

“Thirty years ago a group of concerned locals successfully opposed the granting of a licence to plant forestry in the Killery area by the shore of Lough Gill and overlooking the world famous Lake Isle of Innisfree.

“The group were supported both locally here and on the floor of Dáil Eireann and were successful in securing the beauty and environment of Innisfree,” he said.

“The same group contacted me recently regarding a new application to the Forest Services for pre-planting approval on 5.91 hectares in much the same area.

Cllr Healy said there was widespread opposition to the application and claimed the forest, if planted, “would be damaging to local flora and fauna, could affect the water quality and would certainly damage our tourist industry in Sligo. There is extensive native forestry in Killery from the millennium project,” he said.

“It is very important for Sligo County Council to take a stand on this issue. This is a Special Area of Conservation as dictated by the EU Habitats Directive, in a scenic area along the Sligo Way walking route and is unique in having the Lake Isle of Innisfree which attracts tourists from all over the world by itself.

“The Sligo County Development Plan clearly discourages forestry in such locations. I have made a submission to the Department on this matter and I hope that Sligo County Council will support me on this,” he said. He was supported by Councillor Marie Casserly.