Access restricted to scenic Laois locations following Storm Éowyn

Outdoor enthusiasts will be unable to use many of the forests in Laois for some time as Coillte continues to assess the damage caused by Storm Éowyn.   

Coillte says it has yet to discover the full extent of the damage caused to its forests by Storm Éowyn, but early indications suggest it is extensive. 

The State agency manages forests across Laois including some of the most scenic sites in the county. As a result of the damage caused by Storm Éowyn, Coillte has now asked people not to enter its forests.  

As a result, people are being asked not to use scenic walks such as those at Glenbarrow in the Slieve Blooms,  around Emo Court, Durrow, Oughaval in Stradbally, Garryhinch and Carrick Woods in Portarlington and Lacka in Mountrath. They are also being advised to stay off mountain biking and walking trails between Laois and Offaly. 

“At this stage we do not know the full extent of the damage caused by Storm Eowyn to our forest estate.  However, early indications are that it is extensive. Our priority at this time is to support the National Emergency Co-ordination Group, power companies and local communities, by clearing individual trees to open road access and helping them to restore power and services to homes and farms as quickly as possible,” a Coillte Spokesperson said. 

They explained that  “Coillte’s staff and contractors are working hard in hazardous conditions to deal with any damage caused as quickly as possible.  We thank our neighbours and stakeholders for their patience and for highlighting any damage and as we clear the most urgent areas as a priority.”  

With regard to damage to our own forest estate, we do not have specific details at this time. Once we’ve dealt with the priority of tree clearance, our focus will turn to mapping and estimating the extent of damage across our forest estate.”

Coillte has asked members of the public to not enter forests in the following counties: Cavan, Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Laois, Leitrim, Limerick, Longford, Mayo, Monaghan, Offaly, Roscommon, Sligo and Westmeath until further notice.

“As we endeavour to clear areas impacted by storm damage as quickly as possible, safety is our absolute priority. Hazards arising from storm damage may not be visible. Coillte is asking members of the public not to enter forests where there is clear storm damage or where there are clearance operations underway,” the Spokesperson stated. 

Meanwhile, Waterways Ireland is advising the public that all navigations have been significantly impacted by Storm Éowyn, resulting in restricted access to towpaths, greenways, blueways and navigation. 

Waterways Ireland said that while substantial branch and storm debris have already been cleared the inspection, assessment and clean-up efforts are ongoing and will continue for some time. 

“Extensive numbers of trees have fallen in the following locations: Royal Canal and Royal Canal Greenway from Clondra to Ferns Lock Barrow Blueway from Lowtown to Athy. Barrow Way from Athy to St Mullins. Grand Canal and Grand Canal Greenway from Rahan to Lowtown. Movanagher Canal on the Lower Bann These sections of navigation and Greenway / Blueway are closed until further notice,” Waterways Ireland said in a marine notice. 

Waterways Ireland is advising people to report damage. Anyone who notices damage impacting Waterways Ireland property can report it by calling 01 2248204. 

Waterways Ireland said this includes downed trees blocking towpaths or any damage to navigational markers. It said reports of damage to vessels have been received, owners and masters are advised to check their vessels at the earliest opportunity. 

Waterways Ireland and the Local Authorities are working to remove the fallen trees.