Coillte defends tree felling in state park

Coillte has dismissed criticism of a massive tree-felling operation in one of the State’s largest national parks, insisting the work had to be done.

The forestry body also said it stands over the scientific evidence which led to the decision in January to begin felling some 16,000 Japanese larch in Gougane Barra Forest Park in Co Cork following confirmation of sudden oak-death, a fungal-like disease, in the park.

The felling was ordered to prevent the further spread of the disease.