Plan needed to deal with trees in Mayo ahead of future storms

THE aftermath of Storm Éowyn lingers on in the council agenda, with future-proofing for the next storm on the mind of Councillor Michael Kilcoyne.

In a notice of motion, he requested a report setting out a programme of works on the removal and clean-up of fallen trees, branches, etc., on council property following recent storms, and the removal of trees that are likely to fall in the next storm.

He also asked if a submission has been made for funding works and requested the chief executive seeking funding for farmers to assist with the removal of broken trees and vegetation on farms.

In a written reply, he was told an assessment of trees damaged that are likely to fall in the next storm has not been carried out. This would require the deployment of resources from other work, and this would currently be in the absence of a funding source to carry out this work.

In relation to the proposal of work around removal of trees, the Municipal Districts have been requested to provide a detailed report.

Mayo County Council made a submission to the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage for unbudgeted costs of clean-up and necessary immediate works of €2.3million. Included in this submission was further costs of €318,000 for infrastructural and property damage.

No response has yet been received.

Councillor Kilcoyne said you can't drive for a kilometre without seeing bushes hanging out or going sideways, and this is 'a priority job'.

When the next storm comes, all the trees hanging will be down in the middle of the road and nothing has been done to eliminate the risk to the public. And he requested a plan on what's going to be done.