by Ronan Casey
The largest planted beech forest in Europe and one of the most attractive areas in Westmeath to walk or cycle in all seasons was last week subject to a vicious, mindless act of vandalism.
A large wooden cabin as well as wooden signs, tables and picnic benches at Mullaghmeen Forest Park, a few miles from Castlepollard, were obliterated by vandals late on Wednesday night or early Thursday morning. It is understood the thugs used a vehicle and tools as they set about the beautifully crafted woodwork at the entrance to the large forest, which is extremely popular all year round.
Gardai in Castlepollard are appealing for information into the vandalism, which may lead to the woodland being closed off to visitors in the morning and nighttime.
Martin Smyth of the Mullaghmeen County Enterprise group, which has managed the forest for nearly 20 years, says security at the forest entrance may have to be reviewed as the significant damage “sends us back to the drawing board.”
Parts of a vehicle tail light were found at the scene leading Gardai to believe that it rammed the cabin, which is an essential element to the management of the forest. Luckily, nothing of huge value was stolen, but this leads Gardaí and forest management to believe that “it was done for kicks”.
Only a few months ago, Minister of State for Forestry, Tom Hayes TD was so impressed on an official visit to the forest that he said the Government would back a new cycle train inside it. Amusingly, he got lost on his way to find the large forest, but when he did arrive he was “blown away” by a carpet of bluebells and other flowers and the myriad of paths.
He told the local group and other tourism and sporting interests in the area that he would work with Coillte on adding to the tourism and recreational pull of Mullaghmeen, which is used by 50,000 people annually from Westmeath, Meath and Cavan.
The widespread revulsion surrounding the vandalism was perhaps best illustrated by a social media post by a Westmeath County Councillor which was viewed almost 30,000 times in a few days.
The Facebook post by Cllr Una D’Arcy attracted many comments on the vandalism, which Cllr D’Arcy condemned as an attack on rural Westmeath and its many amenities.
“It is disgusting that vandals destroyed the peace and beauty of this area of Mullaghmeen. Why on earth would anyone want to destroy a public space that is there to benefit everyone? It is so mindless,” said Cllr D’Arcy.
“It is a great place for families, tourists, people walking their dogs and many running clubs. The fact that it is free means that during the school holidays parents can plan a great day out, pack a picnic and give their kids a wonderful adventure without cost.
The community in this area are very angry about it and I ask anyone with information to please get in touch with the Gardaí in Castlepollard and Coilte.
