Public meeting on the future of forestry in West Cavan and Leitrim

Local residents, farmers, and community members are invited to attend a public meeting organised by 'Save Leitrim' to discuss concerns about the growing impact of commercial forestry in the region.

The public meeting will take place this Thursday, November 6 at 7pm in the Kildallan Community Centre.

Save Leitrim, a voluntary organisation made up of local people from across County Leitrim, is calling on the public to come together to address what it describes as the “detrimental effects of the ever-increasing number of forestry plantations” across Leitrim and neighbouring West Cavan.

Spokesperson Brian Smyth stresses that while the group supports sustainable, well-planned forestry, the rapid spread of monoculture plantations, dominated by Sitka spruce, has become a major concern for rural communities. These plantations, they argue, are damaging to the natural landscape, harmful to biodiversity, and making it increasingly difficult for local farmers to access land.

“Farmers can’t compete with large investors who are buying up land for forestry. For example, a young dairy farmer who wants to expand simply can’t match the prices these companies can pay — especially when they’re supported by annual grants and tax-free timber sales,” said Brian.

Brian Smyth said the meeting is being organised in direct response to growing frustration among residents from Templeport to Killeshandra, who are affected by forestry-related issues such as power outages, land loss, and habitat destruction.

The meeting will also address concerns about storm damage and replanting practices following recent severe weather events such as Storm Darragh a year ago, followed by Storm Eowyn and just recently storm Amy. "We see they are replanting the same trees on the same spots under the powerlines," Smyth claimed - essentially growing the own problems again.

He added that one of the group’s main goals is to bring local voices into the decision-making process as currently "there’s no real land-use plan”.

Smyth believes the application for a licence should come more into line with planning applications for buildings.

Understanding that there are several entities to approach - from landowners, investors, Coillte, and Forest Services - they have invited the representatives as well as local TDs and councillors. "We want to bring people to the fore and give them their say."

Smyth wants an open discussion about the future of forestry in the region: “We need trees,” Smyth said, “but we need the right kind of forestry — developed with and for the community, not imposed upon it.”