Demands for group to protect unique natural habitat

Demands have been made for the ESB to be held accountable for the “butchery” of the Gearagh and for the formation of a group to manage and protect the area.

The cutting of trees by the ESB, majority owner of the Special Area of Conservation near Macroom, was carried out due to safety concerns at fallen trees and branches in the aftermath of Storm Ophelia.

Access to the Gearagh, via a public walkway, has been closed this week while the ESB undertakes “additional remedial works on the surface of the walkway and also additional pruning which will aid natural regeneration of the trees”.