Coillte says wildfire damaged an estimated 130,000 trees on Slievenamon

Coillte spent over €500,000 on its emergency response to the Slievenamon wildfire that damaged an estimated 65 hectares of its forestry on the mountain during the drought period this summer.

The semi-state forestry company confirmed it plans to begin replanting its burned forestry land on the mountain in the coming months.

It revealed that approximately 130,000 primarily productive conifer trees were damaged in the wildfire that originated on open mountain gorse land. The wildfire erupted in the early morning of July 20 and raged for the next eight days with flare-ups continuing into early August.

Coillte said the trees burned in the fire were at an “immature stage of growth” and aged approximately four to 10 years old.

The company estimated its direct costs of firefighting, containment and emergency response activities associated with the wildfire were in excess of €500,000.

It said this underlined the significant resources required to combat large-scale wildfires and protect forests, communities and infrastructure.

“Coillte's objective is to clear, replant and restore damaged forest areas over the coming months, and in accordance with sustainable forest management principles, so that they continue to deliver environmental, economic and community benefits into the future,” the company said in response to queries submitted by The Nationalist.

Coillte pointed out the vast majority of the estimated 1,500 hectares on Slievenamon burnt by the wildfire was on open mountain land, and the available evidence indicates the fire originated on privately owned land before spreading into adjoining forest areas.

It noted that forest fires don't occur naturally in Ireland and are always associated with human activity, whether accidental or deliberate.

“The most effective way to protect forests, habitats, wildlife, property and communities from wildfire is through prevention, vigilance and responsible behaviour, particularly during periods of elevated fire risk.”

The Nationalist asked Coillte if it believes it needs to make any changes to the type and number of fire breaks and maintenance of fire breaks on Slievenamon in the wake of the wildfire?

The company responded that it maintains extensive wildfire preparedness measures across its estate, including dedicated fire management plans, strategically located firebreaks, specialist equipment, trained personnel, helicopter support and close co-ordination with fire and rescue services.

It said that while “firebreaks are an important mitigation measure, they are not a guarantee to prevent the spread of fire, especially in periods of strong winds”.

“At Slievenamon, existing firebreaks and the intensive, multi-agency firefighting efforts helped limit the spread of the fire and its impact.

“The incident required a significant mobilisation of resources, with Coillte staff and contractors working closely with the Tipperary Fire and Rescue Service, the Army Air Corps, landowners, farmers and local communities who worked together for over two weeks to bring the Slievenamon fire under control.”