“Forestry companies have a lot to answer for”

The damage being done to roads in South Leitrim as a result of the activity of a number of forestry companies was highlighted at this week's meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District.

It was claimed at the meeting that up to five different forestry companies are operating in one area, with roads deteriorating rapidly.

There was also a call at the meeting for forestry companies to come before councillors at a future meeting.

Cllr Paddy O'Rourke (FF) submitted a motion, in which he called for the council to “liaise with forestry companies to agree with them to provide the necessary funds to make good the damage caused to our public roads network by their operations, with many roads left impassable, examples of which can be witnessed in the Cloone, Aughavas and Drunmreilly areas.”

“Some companies are better than others at meeting their responsibilities, but all of these forestry companies involved could be put on notice,” Cllr O'Rourke told the meeting.

“When these companies get a felling licence, they have responsibilities,” he added.

Cllr O'Rourke went on to outline areas that are affected by the work of these forestry companies. “There are situations in areas such as Cloone and Drumreilly where you would need a map to see where the road was. This is not good enough. Parameters need to be set down and we can only hope that those companies that are not co-operating are brought to heel,” he commented.

District Cathaoirleach Gary Prior told the meeting of an area where five different forestry companies are operating.

“This is happening in the Adoon and Carnagher area,” he explained.

“Timber is being moved at night. In once case, a lorry went into a drain. The roads have deteriorated in this area, with some bridges fit to collapse,” he stated.

Cllr Prior went on to state that action should be taken in relation to the issues in this area, which is near Cloone and Gorvagh.

“Buses are not going down some of these roads. Forestry companies have a lot to answer for and we should get these companies into this meeting,” Cllr Prior added.

The Fianna Fail representative went on to say that, “only 20% of the felled timber has been removed. This will be going on for another couple of years and it will cause huge disruption.”

Cllr Brendan Barry told the meeting that, “there is timber going to China from Leitrim. Some of the drivers are not used to the conditions. Many of the drivers have gone off the roads.”

Cllr Róisín Kenny acknowledged that “there is only so much that the roads department can do. There are walls of timber in Aughavas. Every road in my locality is affected by forestry. Roads will go to bits.”

“Are there penalties for these companies if they don't co-operate?”, she asked.

Speaking on behalf of the council, Director of Services, David Minton, said that, “we are trying to establish who is responsible for the damage to the roads. Assessing liability for the damage is the issue. We can remind forestry companies of their responsibilities.”

A written reply from the council stated that, “Leitrim County Council confirms that there are ongoing communications with all forestry companies operating in the area. These companies have committed to contributing to the repair of roads damaged as a result of their activities.

“The situation will continue to be monitored and engagement with the relevant parties will remain ongoing to ensure that appropriate remedial works are undertaken,” the reply added.