Council urged to address 'unkempt' trees in Ballina

Mayo County Council have been urged to deal with ash dieback on the Ridgepool Road in Ballina.

Cllr Mark Duffy raised the issue of the ash dieback at last week’s area meeting and said it was 'unkempt' and 'unsightly' at this location within the town.

Ash dieback is a serious disease caused by the invasive fungal pathogen Hymenoscyphus fraxineus and can lead to the death of an ash tree. Cllr Duffy said natural trees should be planted in the place of removed trees.

Head of the MD Declan Turnbull said the Council is currently trying to procure a budget to remove the trees affected by ash dieback.

He said while it will be possible to remove the affected trees, new ones cannot be planted until ongoing works as part of the Ballina Flood Relief Scheme are completed.