Donegal, located in the northwest of Ireland, is a stunningly beautiful county, with its rugged coastline, pristine beaches, and rolling hills. Despite its natural beauty, it has been highlighted as one of Ireland’s least afforested counties, with a mere 6% of its land covered in trees. This is well below the national average of 11%, highlighting a serious flaw in the county’s environmental policies. In this article, we delve deeper into the issue of afforestation in Donegal, examining the reasons behind the low levels of tree cover and the potential consequences for the local and national environment.
According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) Afforestation Report 2022, Donegal has one of the lowest rates of afforestation in Ireland. Only 21 hectares of farmland were converted to forestry in Donegal last year, compared to 400 in Cork and 211 in Clare. The report also highlights that from 2007 to 2016, and from 2019 to 2022, Donegal consistently had one of the lowest afforested areas. In contrast, Cork had the largest afforestation over the same period, accounting for 18% of the total afforested area in 2022, followed by Clare, Galway, and Roscommon. The report notes a 13% increase in the afforestation area in 2022 compared to the previous year, with a higher proportion of broadleaf species and an increased share of afforested area planted by farmers. The main broadleaf species planted during 2007 to 2013 were Alder and Ash, while Alder and Birch were the primary species from 2015 to 2022. Sitka Spruce was the dominant conifer species, comprising 85% of coniferous species in 2022.
In conclusion, it is evident that Donegal still has a long way to go in terms of afforestation. While it may come as a surprise to many, the lack of trees in Donegal can have very real consequences for both the local environment and the wider climate. However, the report does offer a glimmer of hope, as it highlights the many benefits that afforestation can bring, ranging from improved air quality to enhanced biodiversity. With this in mind, it is now up to policymakers, local communities and individuals to take action and ensure that Donegal does not remain one of Ireland’s least afforested counties for much longer. It may take time, effort and resources, but the rewards will surely be worth it – for the people of Donegal and for the planet as a whole.
