asked the Minister for Finance if his attention has been drawn to the fact that a large amount of timber has been cut on the amenity which has been developed at Dromore Wood, Ruan, County Clare; and when he approved this work which has had disastrous consequences for the general appearance of the walks.
Written Answers. - Removal of Timber from Clare Wood.
168.
I am aware that a large amount of timber has been removed at Dromore Wood.
Dromore Wood is a national nature reserve established by order under the Wildlife Act, 1976 on 28 November 1985. The reserve is comprised of woodlands and wetlands and was established to conserve the native species therein. Management plans for all nature reserves are prepared by the Wildlife Service and the main objective of such plans in woodland reserves is to remove non-native species and allow the native species to develop.
Beech and spruce trees are not native to Ireland and must be removed from this reserve to allow the native ash, hazel, wild cherry, oak, elm etc, as well as all other native wild vegetation to grow freely. The removal of these trees inevitably resulted in an unsightly appearance during the course of the work but when completed will greatly improve the overall appearance of the reserve.