Coillte shifts to recreational focus
by Mehak Dugal
 
Fórsa official Johnny Fox welcomed the decision, saying “at a time when we are beginning to come out of lockdown, Coillte has gifted communities across the country a wonderful natural amenity that will bring joy to many citizens."
Fórsa official Johnny Fox welcomed the decision, saying “at a time when we are beginning to come out of lockdown, Coillte has gifted communities across the country a wonderful natural amenity that will bring joy to many citizens."

All nine of Coillte’s Dublin forests are to shift to non-commercial recreational use, replacing commercial operations with a focus on increased biodiversity.

 

The initiative forms part of the company’s ‘Dublin mountains makeover,’ which will see an area of over 900 hectares move away from felling and replanting, to create a permanent green canopy. It’s the largest ever project of its kind in Ireland.

 

Dr Ciarán Fallon, Director of Coillte Nature, said the Dublin mountain woods were unique among the Coillte forest parks. They attract over 600,000 people every year, making them one of the most visited outdoor areas in the country.

 

These sites provide urban crowds with a much sought after break with fresh air and nature. Coillte’s most popular forest, Ticknock attracts sees over 550 visits every day.

 

The project aims to replace the biodiversity in the forests to create a better habitat for wildlife and improve the appeal of the forests.

 

The first of Coillte’s Dublin mountain forests was planted in the 1940s when Dublin was a much smaller city. The capital’s significant growth since has increased demand for recreational forest facilities.

 

Until now, the areas have been managed mainly for commercial purposes, but their popularity and proximity to the city made them the perfect site for this project.

 

Fórsa official Johnny Fox, who represents Coillte staff, welcomed the decision. “Coming in the middle of our worst ever health and economic crisis, this announcement by Coillte is a welcome initiative that puts the needs of citizens ahead of commercial requirements.

 

“At a time when we are beginning to come out of lockdown, Coillte has gifted communities across the country a wonderful natural amenity that will bring joy to many citizens and showcase the natural beauty of our native forests which, sadly, are not as accessible as they should be,” he said.

 

The project, which is being led by Coillte Nature, gets underway next month and is expected to continue for a number of years.

 

The nine Coillte forests cited for conversion are Ticknock, Kilmashogue, Ballyedmonduff, Massy’s Wood, Hell Fire Club, Cruagh, Tibradden, Barnaslingan and Carrickgollogan.

 

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