Member of environmental group in Tipperary reacts to Clonmel Borough's new Tree Strategy

Clonmel Borough District has recently launched a new tree strategy for the town.

A community group called Crannach was set up as a response to the removal town trees in Clonmel in 2019 and we spoke with Alan Moore who is a member of this group as well as the group SuirCan and Hedgerows Ireland, who all have a key interest in the tree strategy.

Alan Moore, a SuirCan Committee member, had this to say:

“SuirCan welcomes the Tree Strategy and are pleased that a number of the suggestions submitted by SuirCan during the consultation period have been adopted in the final text.

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“The document sets out the many benefits of town and urban trees, which include beauty, shelter, shade, flood reduction, a haven for wildlife and an overall ‘feel good’ effect on the health of residents and visitors alike. The shade that trees provide is a really big point in the context of climate change, it is particularly relevant with the changing climate. Extreme weather events and in the Summer, the increased likelihood of very high temperatures and the need for shade and leaf cover in hot streets, is incredibly important.

“In relation to the town centre trees, one of our members Myriam Madigan conducted an experiment last Summer where she recorded temperatures in the street within the shade of the London plane trees, and then on the street outside of the trees shade she recorded a ten degree difference.”

“We are very pleased to see clear recommendations to increase tree planting in Clonmel. We are also particularly pleased that the strategy recognises the need to value and protect existing trees and to consider their removal only as a last resort after professional assessment and when all other measures have been explored. (1.7 “Clonmel Borough District recognises the need to conserve existing tree cover. Tree retention must always be favoured where a reasonable alternative to felling is available.” and 3.5 “Trees are removed only when necessary as a last resort.”)

“SuirCan, along with sister organisations Crannach and Hedgerows Ireland, have been vocal in our criticism of the plans to remove all the semi-mature London plane trees from the town centre as part of the 2019 Urban Regeneration Plan for Clonmel.

“We have consistently called for an expert assessment of the health and viability of these fine trees before any felling takes place: to date this has not taken place. The new strategy mandates such assessment which we welcome.

“We also welcome the emphasis on correct professional pruning and maintenance of trees and the avoidance of damage by such practices as crown reduction and ‘topping’ which damages them and leaves an unsightly appearance. Clonmel Borough Council is lucky to have the services of Eric Ryan, Town Foreman and the Tree Strategy is a timely support for his skilled work.

“Finally, we strongly recommend the adoption of the tree strategy on a county-wide basis for all Tipperary towns, villages and countryside alike. In this regard SuirCan are very concerned at the prevalent and widespread felling of roadside trees in the county, some of which are obviously healthy and contributing to the beauty and biodiversity of our countryside. Professional arborist opinion should be obtained before trees are felled where there is any doubt about tree health or safety: this should be a precondition before felling and should be adopted by the Roads Department of our local authority.”

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