Half of trees on €16.5m road project in Galway have died

BY CLODAGH McGRATH

At least half of the trees on Seamus Quirke Road are either dead or dying, according to a survey conducted by community group, Cosain.

The semi-mature trees were planted as part of the landscaping of the €16.5 million revamp of Seamus Quirke Road, and were to be replaced last year aftey failing to thrive.

Out of the 63 trees still in place, 26 are completely dead and several more are in extremely poor condition.

“In addition to the 26 dead trees, there are several others in a very poor state. There is little sign of growth, and many have bare branches,” said a spokesperson for Cosain.

Galway City Councillor Frank Fahy said that the issue had been discussed at a council meeting several months ago: “My understanding from the council meeting is that the contractors who originally planted the trees are responsible for them being replaced.”

“The work will commence towards the end of September/start of October. The trees that need to be replanted will be replaced,” he added. “The trees definitely need to be replaced.”

Planting semi mature trees was the chosen method on Seamus Quirke Road, a process Cosain does not agree is best practice, “Planting semi-mature trees is a false economy,” the spokesperson for Cosain stated.

“Container-grown trees give an instant impact in a tick-box kind of way, but the signs are that they do not thrive.

“The Council would get more value in the short and long term if they planted smaller and more vigorous trees that will establish themselves on-site. Citizens don’t want to see their urban environment blighted or their taxes wasted,” concluded the spokesperson.