Wallace launches woodland scheme

THE country’s largest priority woodland restoration project, co-funded by Coillte and the EU, has been launched by forestry minister Mary Wallace.

It focuses on the restoration and conservation of more than 550 hectares of priority woodland habitats, which are vested in Coillte Teoranta.

Nine sites in counties Mayo, Clare, Sligo, Laois, Limerick, Tipperary, Galway, Cavan and Offaly are included in this project. All have been designated as special areas of conservation.

Ms Wallace, who launched the project at Kilcoran Lodge Hotel in Co Tipperary, said forests are among the most diverse and complex ecosystems in the world, providing a habitat for a multitude of flora and fauna.

“All of this is part of our heritage and it is important action is taken now to restore and conserve for future generations,” she said.

Ms Wallace said this priority woodland restoration project is one of many initiatives Coillte is undertaking as part of its nature conservation programme initiated in 1998.

As part of Coillte’s commitment to sustainable forest management, it was awarded the Forestry Stewardship Council Certificate for well managed forests.

Ms Wallace said the company has committed, over time, to set aside 15% of its landholding to be managed for biodiversity.

The woodland restoration project complements this policy by facilitating habitat restoration on nine environmentally sensitive priority woodland sites.