Sinn Féin councillor Terry Crossan has raised concerns with Coillte, the company responsible for managing approximately 440,000 hectares of mainly forested land across the Republic of Ireland, and An Garda Síochána about the repeated use of quad bikes in the Lisnagla woods.
Mr Crossan warned that quad bikes and speeding vehicles could pose a serious safety risk to families and other members of the public walking through the forest.
He said the quad bike activity had been taking place regularly for some time and was causing significant damage to the woodland environment.
According to Mr Crossan, the activity in the Lisnagla area is contributing to habitat loss and negatively affecting local wildlife, including red squirrels and pine martens.
He also highlighted noise pollution and damage to vegetation, saying the impact had been so severe that parts of the forest had been transformed into swampland.
“I have contacted Coillte and the Gardaí regarding the repeated incidents of quad bikes being driven through the woods. I hope action will be taken in the near future,” he said.
Source: www.bbc.co.uk