A Galway sheep farmer, Aidan Mullins, from Kilconnell, Ballinasloe, Co. Galway, has been facing a frustrating ordeal following Storm Éowyn. The storm wreaked havoc on his property, knocking trees onto the stone wall and fencing bordering his field adjacent to Coillte forestry back in late January. Mullins, who has been farming in the area since the early ’90s, has been left waiting for over two months for the necessary repairs to be carried out.
Speaking to Agriland, Mullins described the extent of the damage caused by the storm, stating, “The storm knocked all the trees onto my ditch. There was a stone wall and a fence, and it flattened it entirely, about 300 yards linked. There is nothing there, you could put a flock of hens out through it.” Despite reaching out to Coillte promptly after the storm, Mullins expressed his disappointment at the lack of progress in repairing the fence.
Coillte did send staff with machinery to clear the fallen trees three weeks ago, as Mullins recalled. With lambing season approaching, he stressed the urgency of getting the fence reinstated by March 14. However, the promised fencing work has yet to materialize, leaving Mullins concerned about the potential delay in resolving the issue.
In a bid to address the situation, Mullins shared, “I have a feeling they might come with wire and stakes and just leave me to it. I never had any problem with Coillte, I never had any resentment towards them, it’s just an enterprise.” Despite the setbacks, Mullins remains optimistic, acknowledging the challenges faced by Coillte in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn.
Coillte, responding to the situation, highlighted the extensive damage caused by the storm, affecting approximately 24,000 hectares of forestry and 40 million trees nationwide. The company emphasized their efforts to prioritize emergency works and restore services in the wake of the unprecedented destruction. Acknowledging the ongoing challenges in clearing fallen trees and ensuring safety, Coillte urged patience from the public as they work towards resolving the aftermath of the storm.
The delay in repairing the damaged fence has left Mullins grappling with the impact on his farming operations, particularly during a crucial period like lambing season. Despite the frustrations, he maintains a positive outlook, recognizing the complexities involved in the restoration efforts following the catastrophic storm. As Mullins navigates the challenges on his farm, he remains hopeful for a swift resolution to the fencing issue, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and understanding in such circumstances.
The ongoing repairs and restoration work in the forestry sector following Storm Éowyn serve as a reminder of the resilience and perseverance required in the face of natural disasters. Mullins’ experience sheds light on the interconnectedness of farming and forestry practices, underscoring the need for prompt and efficient responses to mitigate the impact of such events on agricultural livelihoods.
