Concern over damaged trees

Fallout from Storm Éowyn continues to pose problems

Landowners across the Nenagh district are still facing problems resulting from damage caused to trees by Storm Éowyn.

Around 100 trees fell on roads in the district when the storm struck on January 24. While these were quickly cleared away, the damage caused to trees elsewhere has become a major issue for landowners.

The issue was discussed at last week's meeting of Tipperary's Co Council's Nenagh Municipal District. Cllr Joe Hannigan wanted to know where the council stands on helping landowners to remove storm-weakened trees that threaten public roads. He was mindful that a new nesting season begins on March 1 with a prohibition on hedgecutting between then and August 31.

Cllr Michael O'Meara said many landowners are anxious about the situation. He wondered if emergency permits could be introduced in situations where a landowner needs to cut back vegetation to get at damaged trees.

Cllr Pamela Quirke O'Meara understood that landowners have responsibility for trees on their land but spoke of the major costs involved in removing them. She mentioned one situation in Kilcommon where ash dieback had infected trees along a kilometre stretch of road.

Cllr Quirke O'Meara pointed out that there are trees down on lands throughout the district and these would rot unless they are removed and stacked.

She asked if forestry management services could assist with tree removal. She added that the authorities would need to look at replacing fallen trees from a climate perspective.

TELEGRAPH POLES DAMAGED

Cllr Séamie Morris said something must be done about the amount of damaged trees and branches ready to fall on roads. He was taken with the number of trees that he had for years thought were healthy, only to find after the storm that they were rotten inside.

Cllr Morris also wanted the council to contact Eircom over the number of damaged telegraph poles in the district, as well as wires damaged as a result of trees falling on them during the storm. And he wanted Uisce Éireann to install a generator at the water treatment plant in Coolbawn, which lost power after the storm, resulting in water outages in Nenagh.

Cllr Phyll Bugler described the trees of Ard Coillte in Ballina as “very resilient” to have survived the storm. But she said they are still dangerous and need to be removed.

A similar problem exists at Ashgrove Meadows, where ash dieback is present, Cllr Bugler said.

Executive Engineer Paul Keane said national legislation clearly places responsibility for removing dangerous trees on the landowner. Ard Coillte has not been taken in charge by the council and therefore the council could not remove the trees there, though he said he would meet with local residents to discuss their concerns. Mr Keane agreed that the trees in Ballina require attention.

The Dept of Agriculture has issued guidance regarding the removal of storm-damaged trees from beside roads. Mr Keane said landowners are required to document damaged trees and consult an arborist or professional tree surgeon for their removal.

'RECIPE FOR DISASTER'

Responding to questions from Cllr Michael O'Meara, Mr Keane said the council does not have enough staff to close roads in every situation where trees are being removed. Professional service providers have the ability to manage traffic.

Cllr O'Meara said the reality of the situation is that it is “impossible to get a tree specialist. Nine times out of ten, the landowner will do it themselves. This could be a recipe for disaster.”

Senior Engineer Kieran Malone said landowners can apply for a road closure but they still need to engage a specialist for the health & safety aspect of the work.

Cllr Hannigan inquired about the condition of the beech trees lining the Nenagh approach to Borrisokane after the storm. He mentioned past concerns over the safety of the trees, which are 150 years old.

Executive Engineer Philip McGrath recalled these trees being surveyed in recent years, after which those identified as dangerous were crowned by an arborist. Mr McGrath said he would check to see if another survey is needed.

Mr Malone said the council would seek a total number of lost trees following Storm Éowyn from Coillte.

Cllr Fiona Bonfield asked that the council also tackle Coillte over damage caused to roads in forestry areas. She said this has been a particular problem in her area of Newport.

Mr Keane replied that the council has held meetings with Coillte in the past and he would be prepared to set up something similar again.

Cllr Bonfield was aware of other local authorities holding regular meetings with the forestry service and said Tipperary needs to do the same because roads the council spends money on are being damaged by another party.