'Safety is our absolute priority' - Public asked to stay clear of popular Mayo area
Coillte have said operations remain ongoing to deal with damage caused by Storm Eowyn in Belleek Woods. Picture: John O'Grady.
Coillte have asked the public to continue to stay clear of Belleek Woods as operations continue to deal with extensive damage caused by Storm Eowyn
Belleek Woods was closed three weeks ago in the wake of the damage caused by the record-breaking storm. Coillte said the extent of the damage is not yet known and their first focus was assisting the ESB with the restoration of power nationwide.
“Storm Eowyn has caused significant levels of damage to our forest estate and we’re still working to establish the extent of the damage,” they said in a statement to the
“Our initial priority has been to support the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, power companies and local communities, by clearing individual trees to open road access and helping them to restore power and services to homes, farms and businesses as quickly as possible.”
Debris clearance remains ongoing at Belleek.
“Initial assessments at Belleek Wood indicate there is extensive damage to trails, benches, waymarking and other infrastructure,” they said.
“Clearance of windblown trees is underway and a more detailed assessment will be undertaken once the site is cleared of debris.”
Coillte appealed to the public to continue to stay out of Belleek Woods and other impacted forested areas.
“We thank the public for their patience as this clearance operation will take time. Safety is our absolute priority."
"Hazards arising from storm damage may not be visible. Coillte is asking members of the public not to enter forests where there is clear storm damage or where there are clearance operations underway.”
Coillte have appealed to the public to remain out of Belleek Woods while works are ongoing. Pic: John O'Grady
