Mayo councillors to suspend district meeting over sitka spruce plantation

Caoimhín Rowland

A Castlebar based councillor has proposed to suspend standing orders of the next meeting of Castlebar municipal district to hear from the impacted residents of Craggagh village.

The plan by a French investment company to plant a sitka spruce forest in the area has been met by fierce opposition.

Fianna Fail councillor Blackie Gavin said, “I know from my time as a fireman how dangerous these forests are so close to homes.”

Councillor Gavin also hit out at “the forestry companies who rip up roads” after the council work so hard to invest in them and improve local roads for the benefit of communities.

The call to suspend standing orders at the next meeting of Castlebar councillors was agreed by Fine Gael councillor Donna Sheridan and former Cathaoirleach Michael Kilcoyne.

Gavin stated to the 80 people present in Balla Community Centre for the Craggagh residents concerned by the planting that, “you decide here who you want in Mayo county council in June.”