Impact on leisure amenities by tree-felling raises concerns

By Mary Dennehy

A SCHEDULED tree-felling at Ticknock in Rathfarnham has been postponed pending an investigation into how the forest can be managed into the future, in light of its use as a popular recreation spot.

State-owned forestry company Coillte has deferred the harvesting of 11 hectares of mature Sitka Spruce in its forest at Ticknock, which, originally planted for commercial purposes, has grown into a popular location with walkers, mountains bikers and families due to its accessibility, beauty and scenic views.

Felling has also been planned for other nearby forests, including the Featherbeds and Bally-edmonduff, which are also popular recreation spots.

Concerns about the negative impact such wide felling would have on the amenity were raised by groups including the Dublin Mountain Initiative, the Green Party and the Dublin Mountains Partnership.

Forest users have also in recent years expressed their disappointment and frus-tration over large tree harvesting projects in forests at local locations including the Hell Fire Club, which they have claimed impacts negatively on both the ecological and recreational aspects of the wooded areas.

When contacted by The Echo, a spokesman for Coillte said: “As Ireland’s largest provider of outdoor recreation, Coillte constantly strive to balance our commercial timber production with our social and environmental commitments.

“Ticknock, while primarily managed for the supply of commercial timber by Coillte, is a significant outdoor recreation des-tination with waymarked trails managed by the Dublin Mountains Partnership.

“Mindful of this and following engagement with our stakeholders – including National Parks and Wildlife Service, South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown, Dublin Mountain Partner-ship and Dublin Mountain Initiative – Coillte has postponed a scheduled timber harvesting pending a review of how the forest is managed in future, including how harvesting of the existing conifer crop can be progressed in a manner that reduces the impact and disruption to recreation users.”

The spokesman added: “The review will also examine future planting proposals for the site, with the aim of achieving a balance between Coillte’s commercial obligations and recreation commitments.

“When and where appropriate, Coillte intend to also review the management of other sites in the Dublin Mountains that demonstrate high annual visitor numbers.”

Coillte confirmed that during the review it will continue to liaise with local stakeholders and provide information on the Dublin Mountains Partnership website, with the findings of the review being made available to interested parties for feedback.