Residents and local officials in the Lisnagra Woods area near Muff, County Donegal have expressed alarm over the impact of recreational quad bike use on the woodland ecosystem. Margaret Peoples from Carnamoyle reported that quad bike riders have frequented the area throughout the summer months, creating what she characterized as significant deterioration of the natural environment.
According to Peoples, the heavy vehicles are causing extensive physical damage to the forest floor and woodland vegetation, making the area less accessible for families and dog walkers. She emphasized particular concern regarding the timing of the disturbances, as they coincide with the period when local wildlife species are preparing for winter by foraging and gathering food stores. The red squirrel population, which inhabits the woods, is especially vulnerable during this critical season, Peoples noted.
Beyond physical damage, observers have raised concerns about noise pollution generated by the quad bikes. The sound disturbances are believed to negatively affect bird populations and other wildlife that depend on quiet conditions to thrive. Peoples stressed that the woodland habitat belongs to its wildlife inhabitants and that visitors have a responsibility to minimize their impact.
Sinn Féin councillor Terry Crossan has taken formal action regarding the matter, contacting both Coillte Ireland, the forestry management company overseeing approximately 440,000 hectares across the Republic, and An Garda Síochána, the Irish police service. Crossan characterized the situation as an ongoing problem with regular occurrences that pose safety hazards to woodland visitors while simultaneously causing severe habitat loss. He called for prompt action to address the repeated incidents.
Peoples called on quad bike operators to relocate their activities to areas more suited for such recreational use, while local officials indicated they anticipate developments in the near term regarding enforcement or management of the issue.
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