FORESTRY AGENCY COILLTE says that there are no plans to build houses on a woodland site in Galway.
The 84-hectare site in Clarinbridge was included on the government’s land bank map launched two weeks ago.
The map is a collation of data from an array of state departments, agencies and bodies. It includes details of over 700 local authority and Housing Agency owned sites totalling some 1,700 hectares, as well 30 sites of around 200 hectares) owned by state or semi-state bodies in the Greater Dublin Area and other major urban centres.
The woods’ inclusion as a potential area for development sparked some concern among locals, but the area was removed from the map.
A spokesperson for the Department of Housing said:
“This 16 hectare site was removed from the map at the request of Coillte to allow them to further consider their options regarding the master-planning of the site.”
A spokesperson for Coillte said there were “no immediate plans” for the site.
“Coillte is working with the Department of Housing, Planning, Community and Local Government and relevant stakeholders to identify land across the entire Coillte estate that may be suitable for development and to support the governments Rebuilding Ireland Action Plan.
“Coillte has no immediate plans for development of land at Clarinbridge. Coillte has provided details of three properties that have potential to be developed for housing and these properties are included on the Housing Land Map.”
Local councillor Martina Kinane said that she welcomed the decision taken last week.
“I greatly welcome this announcement that the woodlands are safe and [will be] going for a walk in them soon.”
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