Help save our precious forests

THE possible sell-off of Irish forests and bogs (but apparently not the land they grow on) — as put forward in the McCarthy report — is clearly ludicrous and economic nonsense.

Coillte and Bord na Mona (now to be amalgamated as BioEnergy) are already selling the trees and peat. Coillte, of course, are also selling and leasing land to developers for gas refineries, wind farms, nursing homes, etc. Much of this land was once public commonage and was given into the custody of Coillte to produce much-needed timber, so it is an outrage that they should be allowed to sell it.

If the general sell-off should be allowed, then it will be open season for all kinds of development that would destroy the Irish landscape — mining, oil, gas and quarrying probably being the greatest threats. Just before the election, then-minister Brian Lenihan gave out licences to a number of multi-nationals to drill test bores searching for gas and oil deposits in the shale beds under various parts of the country. The rot is already setting in and needs to be quickly brought under control.

If the current government is serious about cashing in on the huge tourism potential this country has to offer, then it must consider the real value of our forests and bogs — a rich heritage with on-going economic, social and environmental benefits.

The benefits of trees were clearly spelled out at a guided walk and talk on Easter Sunday with renowned international botanist, medical biochemist, researcher and lecturer Diana Beresford-Kroeger. The event was organised by the Woodland League, which opposes the proposed sell-off of state forestry and promote the many benefits of native trees and woodlands.

Spokesperson for the Woodland League, Andrew St Ledger, said that sustainable management of forests and woodlands can create thousands of jobs and training opportunities and it is up to the people to declare their respect for Ireland’s trees.

One way to do this is to sign the online petition “Save Ireland’s Forests” available through the website woodlandleague.org. Already the campaign has raised more than 35,000 signatures and Diana Beresford-Kroeger asks that each person should not only sign it themselves, but should pass on the message to 10 others and there will soon be a million signatures that politicians must take notice of.

Bob Wilson

Flagmount

Co Clare