Concerns raised over impact of quad bikes on wildlife

Ongoing quad bike activity in Lisnagra Woods near Muff, County Donegal, is causing severe environmental damage and threatening local wildlife, according to residents and public representatives who have called for official intervention.

The woodland area has seen a sustained increase in off-road vehicle use throughout the summer months, leading to growing concerns over habitat destruction, public safety, and wildlife conservation.

Margaret Peoples, a resident of nearby Carnamoyle, reported that quad bikes have been repeatedly cutting up the forest floor on weekends. The damage has rendered the woods difficult and unsafe for families with children and dog walkers to navigate, transforming several paths into thick mud.

Beyond the inconvenience to visitors, the activity poses a significant threat to the ecosystem. Peoples highlighted the impact on the local undergrowth, where small mammals—including red squirrels, rabbits, and pine martens—gather and store food to prepare for the winter.

She noted that the noise and physical destruction caused by the heavy vehicles are particularly detrimental to a local colony of red squirrels, which require undisturbed environments to thrive. Additionally, residents have observed a noticeable decrease in birdsong, attributing the change to noise pollution generated by the high-powered engines.

Speaking on BBC Radio Foyle, Peoples stated that the woodland is not an appropriate venue for quad bikes and urged riders to take their vehicles to suitable designated areas. She added that visitors must respect the woodland as a sanctuary for animals that rely on the forest floor and food chains for their survival.

The matter has been escalated to state authorities by Sinn Féin councillor Terry Crossan, who confirmed he has lodged formal complaints with Coillte Ireland and An Garda Síochána, the Irish police service. Coillte is responsible for managing roughly 440,000 hectares of primarily forested land across the Republic of Ireland.

Crossan voiced strong concerns regarding the safety of families using the public trails, warning of the hazards posed by vehicles traveling at high speeds through pedestrian areas. He noted that the persistent off-road driving has been occurring regularly for an extended period, resulting in severe habitat degradation.

Describing multiple sections of the forest as an absolute quagmire, Crossan emphasized that any destruction of vegetation or increase in noise pollution carries serious ecological consequences. He expressed hope that prompt joint action by Coillte and Gardaí will halt the unauthorized activity and preserve the natural habitat of Lisnagra Woods.