Concern that communities have no say in forestry plantations

AONTÚ candidate for Claremorris, Paul Lawless, has raised concerns about the capacity small communities have to cater for large forestry plantations, following news that a new 15 hectare forest is to be planted by a French company in Craggagh, between Kiltimagh and Balla.

Residents have reacted angrily to the news that remaining land adjacent to their homes will now be home to woodland when the land surrounding the community already hosts many similar plantations.

Said Mr. Lawless: “I share the concerns raised by the residents of Craggagh about this new development.

“Local people have had no say about this plantation because the department, not the council, have full authority over this type of forestry. This is a source of consternation for the local community, particularly in the context of the stringent planning rules/process in place for locals who wish to build.

“It is imperative in circumstances such as these that local people have their say, and that Mayo County Council are included in any consultative process. This is needed to ensure that short term gain for foreign-based companies is not at odds with long term progress of small rural communities.”

Continued Mr. Lawless: “The Craggagh countryside has been blighted with several plantations already. It’s important that forestry development should allow for local input and provide a community dividend.

“The resources of Mayo should not be exploited by a foreign based company, and local residents deserve better than having their homes surrounded by 30 - 40 foot trees.”

More than 240 people have signed a petition objecting to the forestry proposal.