Coillte confirms it will replant forestry ‘in coming months’ following West Roscommon wildfires

Coillte has confirmed that it will replant and reconstitute its forest "in the coming months” following the devastating wildfires in West Roscommon two months ago.

The state-owned forestry company confirmed the news to local Sinn Féin TD, Claire Kerrane.

In its correspondence, it also outlined that Coillte's local management team was still assessing the damage caused and would determine if felling of roadside trees was required.

“On initial review, we believe the majority of roadside trees in this areas are privately owned, however, further assessments are underway. Removal of roadside trees can require a felling licence to be in place or a statement from the council engineer confirming the trees to be dangerous and to be removed under the relevant roads Act,” it said.

Deputy Kerrane said that affected roadside trees needed to be removed ASAP, and stressed that a solution was still outstanding for private forestry owners who suffered wipeout in the fires.

The raging wildfires that broke out in mid-May devastated an estimated 1,300 acres of bog and forestry, twenty per cent of which is estimated to be forestry plantation.

Widespread destruction was caused across a five kilometre radius in the Gorthaganny, Coney Island, Carrowbehy, and Cloonfower areas.

The fires also had a destructive impact on the area’s rich biodiversity..