By Dan Walsh in Courtown
North Wexford’s Cllr Joe Sullivan has launched a public appeal that Wexford County Council working in conjunction with Coillte, National Parks and Wildlife and the owners take the necessary steps to have Courtown Woods declared a SAC (Special Area of Conservation).
“As we are all aware Courtown Woods are currently in private ownership and there is absolutely nothing to suggest that the access enjoyed heretofore by the public will in anyway change in the near future.
“However, as time moves on so does business and people! What guarantee do the public have that the next private owner be it in 20, 30, or indeed 40 years will be as civic and environmentally friendly as the current incumbents?” questioned Cllr Sullivan.
“It goes without saying that natural amenities such as Courtown Woods are passed on from generation to generation and it behoves each generation to preserve and care for them during the time they act as custodians of said public amenities,” he concluded.
He is also calling on Wexford County Council to pursue the idea of putting a Coastal Path/Greenway in North Wexford from Kilmicheal Point in the north to Blackwater in the south of the Gorey/ Kilmuckridge Municipal District, taking in Castletown, Ballymoney, Courtown, Cahore, Morriscastle and on to Blackwater.
“I believe that with the funding that is available under Active Travel and ORIS (Outdoor Recreation Infrastructure Scheme) would help towards the provision of this badly needed amenity for North Wexford and greatly enhance tourism and outdoor activity in the area,” Cllr Sullivan told WexfordLocal.com and he added; “I am aware of similar projects around the county that are proving very successful and beneficial to the communities that they benefit, such as the pathway from Rosslare to Kilmore, and walking trails at Carrigfoyle Forth Mountain to mention but a few.”
WexfordLocal.com 