PREMIER IRISH FORESTRY FUND PHASE II PLC.
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FOREST MANAGEMENT IN THE IRISH CLIMATE CONTD...........

SOME NOTABLE IRISH WEATHER RECORDS

YEAR / MONTH LOCATION ELEMENT VALUE
1881 Jan Markree Castle Lowest air temperature -19.1C
Jan Omagh Lowest air temperature -19.4C
1887 June 26 Kilkenny Castle Highest air temperature 33.3C
1921 June Midleton Rainfall No Rain
1938 Apr 3- May 10 Limerick Longest Absolute Drought 38 days
1959 Rosslare Total Sunshine for year 1,9996.4hrs.
1960 Ballaghbeama Gap,
Co. Kerry
Greatest annual rainfall total 3,965mm
1974 Jan Kilkeel, Co. Down Highest recorded wind gust 124mph
1986 Aug Kilcoole Greatest daily rainfall total 200mm

In some years following heavy storms, or even sometimes as a result of normal winter gales, the area windthrown could be much greater. From tatter flag studies it appears that gustiness of the wind causes greatest stress on trees.

Forest Fires

In Ireland each year over 450 ha are lost through forest fires. These almost always occur in young plantations during April and May when dead grasses become highly inflammable. Met Éireann provides a twice weekly fire warning service to Coillte based on a weather index specially developed for conditions in this country. Foresters are routinely advised of the risks and in periods of high fire index the warnings are also included with the TV/radio forecasts.

Weather indicative forest strategy

As we have seen exposure is a factor in site assessment and species selection.

Windthrow hazard classification maps have been complied by Coillte. Shallow rooting (20-30 cm) of Sitka spruce on wet soils is a predisposing factor. Expert advice in planning forest: and studying climatological records at an early stage is advisable. Current trends in forest siting uses a GIS (Graphics Information System) overlay of factors such as soils, climate, topography, heritage, etc to determine the most suitable areas. GIS systems have many obvious potential benefits for siting and managing forests while also providing better insights into the environmental challenges posed by forests to local water courses, water quality and quantity.

Tom Keane, a senior meteorologist with Met Eireann is Head of Research and Applications Division.

* the above text from Tom Keane, Met Éireann.

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