Former election candidate blasts “poisonous” Sitka spruce plantation slated for Mayo townland

A hill farmer and former general and local election candidate attended a protest against sitka spruce afforestation in Craggagh townland, Balla and warned these plantations are coming ‘to every rural area.’

Gerry Loftus protested alongside Craggagh residents on Monday afternoon, hearing their concerns and fears of spruce trees encircling family homes in the area.

The small community between Kiltimagh and Balla have rallied in response to plans by a French investment company to plant a new 15 hectare sitka spruce forest in the area.

Loftus claims this is not about bidoversity and is 'all about money.' He said the government want a “trade-off of carbon credits to plant one half of the country to keep the other half in business.'

Fine Gael Deputy, Alan Dillon raised the matter in Dáil Eireann this afternoon, informing the Minister the people of Craggagh are fearful and apprehensive about the encroaching afforestation and what it means for the viability of the townland.

Nearly 300 people have already signed a petition objecting to the forestry proposal.

Dillon stated, 'residents feel excluded from the decision making process as the department, not the council, hold full authority over this type of forest planting,' he added.

TD Neale Richmond, speaking on behalf of Minister Pippa Hackett stated he cannot comment on individual licences but a balance needs to be struck that respects the needs of the community and also our environmental commitments, whether that be Ticknock or Craggagh.