Fergus Galvin, Director of Services, Roads, Water & Environment, Waterford City & County Council

Re: Felling of Trees on the N25 Dungarvan Bypass

We the undersigned are writing to you in relation to plans by Waterford Council to cut down 64 mature trees growing on the N25 Dungarvan bypass.

We are disappointed by the lack of consultation with the public on the decision to cut down a large portion of the trees growing on the Dungarvan bypass. Many of the trees in question are healthy, mature trees which add immensely to the visual landscape of the town and provide an important natural habitat for wildlife. We are concerned by the decision to cut down these trees without considering alternative approaches such as pruning, height reduction, and removing surface roots.

We are also disappointed by the lack of detailed plans to replace the trees which the Council intends to remove. We are concerned that once removed, these trees will not be replaced with suitable alternative trees. There is a lack of clarity on the Council’s approach to tree maintenance and management. Lack of maintenance has led to trees being cut down and we are worried that this will be the fate of more trees in the town.

We ask the Council to carry out the following:

• Hold a public consultation on this issue before cutting down any trees.
• Publish the Council’s plans for replacing any trees that are cut down.
• Develop a Tree Charter for the maintenance of public trees to prevent this issue arising in the future.

Is sinne le meas: