Ballina residents manage to bring a halt to tree felling
Branches removed from trees on Bury Street. Pic: John O'Grady
Aldi Ireland have said that tree felling will only occur outside their Ballina store if deemed “absolutely necessary” and will be done in consultation with local residents.
Residents from Bury St close to the Aldi’s Ballina store said they were alerted by the sound of chainsaws around 8am last Wednesday morning, which was Heritage Day in the town, and observed a van belonging to a Kildare-based landscaping company and two workers, prompting concerns among the locals that trees, some of which are over 70 years, were about to be removed.
Residents contacted a local councillor and an official from Mayo County Council. It is understood that the contractors were asked to stop the works by the council official as they did not have the appropriate paperwork in their possession at the time for the works being carried out.
Several branches had been cut off the trees before the works were brought to a stop.
Local resident Janet Bourke said she was relieved that the work was brought to a halt as the trees are some of the oldest in Ballina.
“It felt very ironic that this was on the morning of Heritage Day. People were getting ready to celebrate our history and heritage and it looked like a bit of that heritage was about to be lost,” she said.
“Once those trees are gone, they won’t be coming back. Some are there over 70 years and we wanted to make sure the contractors had whatever paperwork was needed, so we got in contact with the Council.”
Ms Bourke said she hopes there will be consultation with local residents on the future of the trees before any action is taken.
“I’m not an expert on the safety of the trees but there has to be some sort of consultation and that this is not something that is done without a second thought. This is one of the last mature green areas in the town centre.”
Aldi Ireland were contacted for comment in relation to this.
A spokesperson said that a risk assessment had been conducted and that tree felling will only occur at this location if deemed “absolutely necessary” and will be done in continuing consultation with local residents and relevant authorities.
“Following recent severe weather, Aldi Ireland, in consultation with external arborists, architects and the local authorities, conducted a thorough risk assessment of a small number of trees adjacent to its store in Ballina,” they said.
“This assessment, including all necessary due diligence, was undertaken to ensure the ongoing safety of our customers and staff, who we are committed to providing a safe shopping experience for.
“The felling of any trees as a result of this assessment will only be carried out if deemed absolutely necessary, and we will continue to consult with local residents and relevant authorities to keep them informed throughout this process.”
