Probe launched into large-scale, unlicensed tree felling in Killygordon

An investigation has been launched into a large tree-felling operation at Crossroads, Killygordon which is believed to be happening without the necessary licence in place.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine has confirmed that it is aware of the ongoing operation.

Concern has been raised about the apparent deforestation of an area known locally as ‘The Island’. 

The wooded area of up to 2 acres, the majority of which is comprised of native century-old broadleafs, is adjacent to the Aurivo plant.

“Information was received by the Department in relation to ongoing felling at Avaltygort, Crossroads, Killygordon, County Donegal,” a Department spokesperson told Donegal Live. 

“There are no valid tree felling licences for the area. The Department is taking appropriate action.”

It is understood that a regional inspector has been assigned by Department officials to lead a probe and a site inspection is expected be carried out.

Over the weekend, a large amount of logs have been transported from the area.

A complaint has been logged with the Department by concerned locals, one of whom, described the area as an 'enchanted wood.'

"The wood is separated from the creamery by a burn, so it was always called 'The Island' by the children of the area," the person, who did not wish to be named, told Donegal Live.

“It was a place of fantasy for local kids, full of paths, hills and high trees, it was something of an enchanted wood - full of wildlife too.

"Generations of local children were half reared in there, playing hide-and-seek and making Easter huts. It was a beautiful, quiet, safe place, but now it has been destroyed. It's sad to see what's been allowed to happen. A lot of locals are very angry about it."

Another said the trees acted as a 'lush green shield' which partially hid the creamery from view.

"When approaching The Cross from the Castlefin side, The Island acted as a green shield, blocking out the industrial buildings from your view," they explained.

"Since most of the trees have been cut, you know you are entering an industrial area as the plant is now in plain view."

Days playing on 'The Island' were fondly recalled by local man and former GAA star, Donal Reid, in his 2016 autobiography Confessions of a Gaelic Footballer.

"It is not actually an island, but we had imaginations and were allowed to be children," he wrote.

"We swung from trees and played Tarzan... Life for youngsters was so different 50 or so years ago. We had to use our initiatives to amuse ourselves."

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While there have been rumours linking Aurivo with the purchase of the site in question, the land remains in private ownership.