Coillte Teoranta was established as a private commercial company under the Forestry Act, 1988 and day-to-day operational matters, such as responding to correspondence and the management of the forest estate, are the responsibility of the company.
The correspondence was, however, drawn to the attention of the company in early October at which time Coillte advised that its operations team was aware of the subject matter of the correspondence, namely an issue with drains on land adjoining Coillte land at Ballymacargy, Co. Westmeath, and that the company’s local Forest Operations Manager had arranged for the land to be surveyed on 6th October 2014.
I note that Coillte responded to the Deputy’s correspondence by letter of 14th October 2014, in which the company advised that the lands had been surveyed by the company’s engineer on 6th October 2014 to investigate the drainage issue further with the letter then conveying his findings. I also note that Coillte advised that it will, as suggested by the Deputy, employ a contractor in order to remove the silt, fallen leaves and other debris and manage the maintenance works associated with cleaning the drain. I understand that Coillte has concerns, however, that these remedial works may not resolve the drainage issue for the private landowner but will only allow the over flow water to run off. The company advised that if the owner of the lands in question would like to discuss this further, Coillte are happy for him to contact the local team in the area.
I trust the Deputy received the response of 14th October 2014. If not, I can arrange for a copy to be forwarded to the Deputy.