Site for woodland identified

A site has finally been identified for a woodland amenity facility in Westmeath and although the location has not been announced it is said to be “a very good, potential location”. The announcement was made at an Environment Strategic Policy Committee meeting last week by Jonathan Deane, senior engineer with the county council.

Mr Deane said that this project is 100% grant funded by the Department of Agriculture and Food for the creation of a woodland amenity facility on any public site greater than one hectare. He explained that the site must have good access, good amenity potential, be popular with the public and have proven biodiversity and ecological benefits.

He said that now that a site has been identified the council will appoint a forester and ecologist to assess the site and then it can go to public consultation. “We have gone through the first step and will keep you updated”, he assured the members.

Mr Deane also announced that the council are looking at producing a tree management and planting strategy which they hope to have in place in 2022.