Fresh concerns over forestry's impact on Mayo rural communities

Rural communities in Ireland are grappling with the consequences of what some are calling a "gold rush" in the forestry industry.

Sinn Féin Councillor Gerry Murray has voiced his concerns, attributing the decline of these communities to the fervent pursuit of profit in the forestry sector.

Councillor Murray highlighted the predicament faced by farmers who, in good faith, planted lands decades ago, only to find that their harvests are now mostly suitable for pulp.

He remarked that the unsuitability of peatland for timber growth is well-known, and he expressed worry over the growing trend of huge conglomerates purchasing land for forestry purposes in the west of Ireland, often side-lining the interests of local people.

The controversial planting of sitka spruce, a non-native species, has stirred discontent among residents of rural areas.

However, a glimmer of hope shines for native tree species.

Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Charlie McConalogue, disclosed that approximately €9.25 million has been disbursed in grants over the past decade for ash dieback schemes.

These schemes, initiated in 2013 and 2020, aimed to extend financial assistance to forest owners afflicted by ash dieback disease, caused by the fungus Hymenoscyphus fraxineus.

The programmes sought to rehabilitate forests established under the afforestation scheme that had fallen victim to the disease.

While these initiatives were intended to mitigate the effects of ash dieback, they haven't escaped criticism.

Environmental Forestry Association of Ireland (SEEFA) have questioned the effectiveness and impact of these schemes.