Sold woodland should remain as forest, says Coillte

A West Cork woodland should remain in forestry, following its sale to a private buyer, Coillte has said.

The commercial semi-state body, which is responsible for managing the State’s forests, has confirmed that the sale of some 1.5 hectares of woodland, just outside Kilbrittain, has been completed. The buyer’s identity has not been disclosed.

“We understand the site will remain in forestry. Forest lands in Ireland are regulated by the Forestry Act 2014, which requires that if trees are felled, then they must be replanted,” Coillte said.

Concerns had been voiced locally about Coil Bhán Aodha, Garranearagh, following the erection of ‘for sale’ signs outside the woods. It is alongside the R603, which runs from Kilbrittain to Harbour View.

The site, which has been part of the Coillte estate since 1989, is a mixed woodland, comprising conifer and broadleaf tree species.

Kilbrittain Tidy Towns urged people to write to Coillte, expressing concerns about the sale.

The group described the mature, established woodland as a haven for wildlife, especially for the protected red squirrels and for pine martens.

Coillte defended the sale and said part of its core business is to manage the buying and selling of land.

“Our property sales and acquisition team are responsible for the acquisition and sale of lands as part of Coillte’s sustainable management of the national estate, and facilitates a wide range of stakeholders, including local authorities, agriculture, sporting bodies, industry, public utilities, community groups, adjoining landowners, neighbours, and private individuals,” said Coillte.

“We undertook an extensive local consultation programme, notifying all neighbours living in the locality that the land was being put on the market.”

The tidy towns group said that, following correspondence with Coillte in recent weeks, they had been told the woodland was offered for sale after a request from a “local community member to be afforded the opportunity to acquire”.

The group said they were told that, without this local interest, the lands would not have been brought to market. But they said they have also been told that the recreational element of the remaining property will not be affected.

Despite the conclusion of the sale process and the various assurances, the group is still urging people to write to Coillte to voice their concerns for the future of the site.