Coillte Contemplates Appeal Over Galway County Council’s Rejection of Forest and Bogland Project
Coillte, the national forestry company, faces a decision on whether to appeal Galway County Council’s denial of planning permission for a proposed 343-hectare forest and bogland rehabilitation project near Sraith Salach in Co Galway. This project aligns with Coillte’s commitment to environmental sustainability and biodiversity, aiming to contribute to Ireland’s climate action goals by restoring peatland forests. However, the recent refusal by the council has put the project in jeopardy. Let’s delve into the details of this development and the implications it carries.
Coillte, the national forestry company, is currently evaluating its options following Galway County Council’s rejection of planning permission for a significant forest and bogland project spanning 343 hectares near Sraith Salach in Co Galway. The project aimed to revitalise the landscape by rehabilitating peatland forests, aligning with Coillte’s strategic shift towards environmental sustainability and biodiversity enhancement.
In response to Ireland’s climate action objectives, Coillte had set a target to restore 30,000 hectares of peatland forests by 2050 to bolster ecological and climate benefits. The initial phase of this endeavour involved the removal of non-native conifer plantations covering 343 hectares in Binn Doire Chláir, situated north of Sraith Salach in Co Galway. Coillte’s plan included the planting of 62 hectares of native forest, rewetting 281 hectares of Atlantic blanket bog and heathland, and managing invasive species in the area.
The proposed project site partially overlies the Twelve Bens, Garraun Special Area of Conservation, and is in proximity to the Conamara Bog Complex. To mitigate environmental impacts, Coillte planned to implement measures such as installing silt traps, constructing deer fencing, resurfacing forest roads, creating a new internal access road, establishing water crossings for timber harvesting, and setting up water monitoring stations for real-time surveillance during operations.
Despite submitting an Environment Impact Assessment Report and a Natura Impact Statement, Galway County Council rejected the planning application citing concerns about potential adverse effects on adjacent Special Areas of Conservation and interconnected sensitive ecosystems. The council emphasized that the proposed development contradicted the County Development Plan’s planning policies and could compromise the sustainable development of the region.
Expressing disappointment over the council’s decision, a Coillte spokesperson conveyed the company’s intent to review the situation and engage with stakeholders to chart a path forward for the project. Galway County Council specified that Coillte has a four-week window from the refusal date to appeal in writing to An Bord Pleanála.
In conclusion, Coillte’s forest and bogland rehabilitation initiative faces a critical juncture as the company weighs the possibility of appealing the planning permission denial. The outcome of this deliberation will significantly impact the project’s future and its implications for environmental conservation and climate action efforts in Ireland.
