Alan Dillon (Mayo, Fine Gael) | Oireachtas source

I thank the Ceann Comhairle for selecting this Topical Issue and the Minister of State, Deputy Richmond, for being present in the absence of the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, who is responsible for forestry in the Department of agriculture.

I raise an issue that is causing significant concern among nearly 300 residents in a small community in Mayo, namely, Craggagh, situated between Kiltimagh and Balla. The community is fearful and apprehensive about the potential overforestation of the area by commercial plantations, considering more than half of the townland of Craggagh in Balla has already been planted. I lend my voice, as their local representative, to their concerns about the ability of a small community like Craggagh to accommodate large forestry plantations, especially in light of the news that a French company intends to plant a new 15 ha Sitka spruce forest.

I emphasise the urgent need for consultation between the Department and the local community of Craggagh. It is crucial that a compromise be reached that respects the needs and concerns of the residents and those of the large investment fund. The community is deeply concerned about the new forestry plan. The prospect is that their homes, the local primary school and the local community centre will be surrounded by Sitka spruce woodland, especially when the area already hosts many similar plantations. It has been met with significant opposition and nearly 300 people have already signed a petition objecting to this forestry proposal. The residents feel excluded from the decision-making process as the Department, rather than the council, holds full authority over this type of forestry. This is causing considerable unease in the local community, particularly given the strict planning rules in place for locals wishing to build residential accommodation.

There is a concern around the displacement of the rural population. The physical and psychological impact of this planting has been brought to my attention. I had the opportunity to visit and meet locals at the site last week and they raised the issue of social interaction being necessary to sustain rural populations. For them, it would be impossible due to the impact of this forestry plantation in such close proximity. Local people also feel the forestry has built up over a number of years. The group is concerned about the impact on wildlife and the ecosystem in the area, which contains some of the most important ecosystems in the EU.

I urge the Minister of State to outline these concerns to the Minister of State, Senator Hackett, and her officials. It is imperative the voice of the Craggagh community is heard and their concerns addressed in a meaningful and respectful manner. 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 ft or 40 ft trees. A balance needs to be struck that respects both the needs of the community and our environmental commitments.

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