Restoration works begin at Mayo woods destroyed by Storm Éowyn
Work was under way last week in Drummin Woods, Pontoon, to fell and clear trees that were destroyed by Storm Éowyn earlier this year.
The storm left large parts of the woods unsafe, as fallen trees blocked many paths and left areas inaccessible to the public.
Drummin Woods features a popular 5km trail enjoyed by local residents as well as visiting hikers and cyclists. It has been unsafe for use since the storm.
Coillte began felling and removing damaged trees last week to restore safety and accessibility to the public.
To facilitate the tree removal, the R318 Foxford to Pontoon Road was closed between 8am and 6pm, from Monday, 22 September, until Friday, 26 September.
Diversions were in place via the N26 Ballina Road and the R310 Ballynaraha to Pontoon, allowing Coillte to complete the works efficiently.
Cllr Neil Cruise requested the road closure on behalf of Coillte, explaining that significant safety works were required to remove dangerous tree.
The road closure facilitated the swift completion of the necessary felling works, helping to ensure public safety, and is the first step towards the reopening of the woods for public use.
While these efforts focus on immediate restoration of the woods in Pontoon, there is a broader vision for the wider area.
Earlier this year, Cllr Cruise proposed a LIFE project Pontoon during a county council meeting. His motion was inspired by the successful Lough Carra LIFE project in Castlebar.
He described the Pontoon region as a “sleeping giant” with “massive tourism potential".
The planned project would focus on key areas in Pontoon including Drummin Woods, Lough Conn, and Lough Cullin, combining conservation, recreation, and tourism development.
Cllr Cruise said that Coillte were very interested in working on the project and described it as a “new beginning” with the forest company.
“I feel it is time that we can all come together, Coillte, Parks and Wildlife, local development groups, farming and fishing interests, walking groups and local tourism promoters,” he said at the meeting in July.
“We have the development of the Foxford to Pontoon greenway, the Knockmore to Pontoon trail, and Pontoon to Castlebar greenway as far as Healy’s Hotel.
"We have the refurbishment of the six-arch bridge in Cuing Mór, we have the development of forest walks, the beaches and shores of Lough Cullin, of Pontoon Bay, Schoolhouse Bay, Healy’s Bay, and Pontoon Bridge lake access,” he added.
Cllr Cruise added that local groups are keen to get started on bringing the area back to life but needed support to get the project underway.
The Pontoon Enhancement Group has since been set up. The volunteer-led group focus on improving access to Loch Conn and Loch Cullin, upgrading walkways, and enhancing public spaces in Pontoon.
As the woods gradually reopen, the community looks forward not only to enjoying the area again, but also to seeing Drummin Woods and the Pontoon area transformed into a thriving environmental and recreational spot for both residents and visitors.
This article has been funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.