A Donegal County Councillor says he is concerned about the condition of one of the county’s leading tourist attractions.
Cllr Mac Giolla Easbuig
Cllr Micheal Mac Giolla Easbuig has now written to Coillte about the condition of certain aspects of Ards Forest Park.
He said “Local people raised their concerns about the Forest Park with me recently so I visited to have a look for myself,” he said.
“I was concerned that there appears to be a general lack of maintenance in a number of areas. The entrance gate and Woodway walk in particular are in need of repair and upgrade, but there is a more pressing concern with the Rhododendron problem in the park.”
He said the problem is now so severe that it is regarded as an imminent threat to the diverse range of flora and fauna in the park as well as the associated wildlife.
“The Rhododendron now covers a large area of the ground and is choking the smaller plants and could also threaten the semi-natural woodland comprising trees such as oak, ash and birchas it can kill off or prevent natural regeneration occurring.”
Ards Forest Park is widely used and appreciated by local people and attracts thousands of visitors each year.
“It is a hugely important natural resource which deserves to be looked after properly. I have asked Coillte to investigate the concerns I have highlighted and to advise me what action they will take to address the problems.”
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