Concern over 'dangerous' chainsaw cutting in Laois forests
Concern has been raised that chainsaws are being used in state forests in Laois by untrained people.
A Laois councillor has alerted Coillte that possible dangerous use of the lethal woodcutting tool has taken place in one of its forests in Laois.
Laois County Council heard a motion in December, tabled by Cllr PJ Kelly.
"A lot of people are using the state forests. Someone has taken a chainsaw to trees as you go in.
"I worked for twenty years in forestry. It is a dangerous implement to cut branches overhead," Cllr Kelly said.
His motion, seconded by Cllr John King, calls on Laois County Council to contact Coillte.
The local authority will now request Coillte "to clear laneways and recognised walkways of debris and buses so people can safely walk and cycle the state forests of county Laois as some people are using chainsaws to do these jobs and might not be insured to carry out the works".
"In my experience they are quite helpful when asked," Cllr King said.
Cllr Paschal McEvoy supported the motion.
"I got an email from them to say they would do the work, but they haven't got the manpower," he said.
Cllr Padraig Fleming said safety is important.
"Forests are fantastic places to walk but safety measures are important," he said.
Edges of forests should be trimmed too, says Cllr Conor Bergin.
"Can we ask that where state owned lands have trees overhanging, that they be looked at too. Hedges are protruding onto roads. It is difficult to get that done so I ask that it be added to the motion," he said.