A motion has been passed by Sligo County Council calling for Coillte to erect signs in forested areas bringing awareness to Lyme Disease.
Independent Councillor Marie Casserly raised the motion at today’s monthly meeting of Sligo County Council that was unaminously accepted by councillors.
Statistics from the HSE released to the Irish Examiner under the Freedom of Information Act, finds that there has been a noticeable increase in the number of reported cases around the country, with the Cork/Kerry region being noticeably affected.
The report also finds that the spread is mainly down to forestation which is the preferred habitat of the tick must known to spread the illness.
Forestry in Ireland has almost doubled since 1989, going from 6.5% to 11%.
Speaking at today’s meeting, Councillor Casserly says if the signs can stop even one person from being infected, it’s worth it.
