Roadside trees may 'cause serious damage' in Mayo this winter
A fallen tree near Garracloon, Knockmore, after Storm Éowyn in January. Picture: David Farrell Photography
A Louisburgh councillor has called for swifter action to be taken in cutting back roadside trees ahead of the winter season.
Cllr Chris Maxwell made the comments at the Westport-Belmullet Municipal District meeting.
“There are a lot of trees on the roadside that could be a disaster when we get the next storm. I’ve sent in lists of trees that are a concern and we need to do some scheme or form of work to get this work done immediately,” he said, adding that the trees should not be cut down but "cut to hedgerow level".
Erris-based Cllr Seán Carey echoed the call.
“People are very concerned about trees that are overhanging public areas when storms come and the storms seem to be getting worse,” he said.
Séamus Ó Mongáin, Head of the Municipal District, said councillors had provided Mayo Co Council with a list of trees that may need addressing and that the council staff had created their own lists too. However, he added that trees on private property "are the responsibility of the landowner".
Area Engineer Martin O’Grady added that "the majority of trees and hedges" in question are on private property and the council may have "to send letters out telling landowners to cut their own trees".
The subject of hedgecutting also raised the ire of councillors.
Cllr Maxwell expressed concern that he understands that the budget for hedge-cutting is about to run out but that there is a considerable amount more work which needs to be carried out. Cllr John O’Malley cited a number of areas in his bailiwick that needed work.
Mr Ó Mongáin said there were budget issues with hedge-cutting which councillors can impact.
“You, as members, set the budget for hedge-cutting. If you want to add more money to it, you can. We’re not finished this year but there is no doubt we are coming to the end of our allocation,” he said.
A proposal by Cllr Brendan Mulroy to have a meeting about this topic in January was passed.
- Published as part of the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.
