Residents split on whether ‘creaking’ trees should be removed

Opinions are split amongst Claddagh residents over a row of trees separating Grattan Park from Fr. Burke Road.

Some locals are concerned as two trees have collapsed in the residential area in recent times.

But others deny any risk to people in the area from the trees and want them retained.

Galway City Council plan to mediate and resolve the issue.

Divided opinions have reigned in the area for nearly two years, with one group arguing they should be removed as they pose a threat to those living on the side of Fr. Burke Rd.

“They are creaking and unstable,” said one local resident who added: “This is the second time it has happened, without warning.”

The trees in question are Leylandii – a fast-growing, tall leafy evergreen which provides cover and privacy for residents on either side of the fence.

But they have become hugely unpopular in recent years having been planted in abundance twenty years ago and are now regarded as a blight on the landscape.

Three weeks ago, according to a local resident who wishes to remain anonymous, one of these tall conifers tumbled over, ‘unprovoked’ on a calm Monday morning at around 9.30am. “There was no wind, not a whisper,” the resident pointed out.

The fall resulted in phone wires being torn down causing disruption and inconvenience to residents on both sides, and, indeed, in the surrounding Claddagh area.

Eighteen months previously a similar event occurred whereby another tree spontaneously collapsed smashing through telephone wires.

The event spurred some locals into action – signatures were gathered and a petition submitted to Galway City Council urging the removal of the offending trees.

Galway City Council agreed to carry out the work and sent letters to local residents detailing plans to have the trees removed.

But the letter was not received well by a cohort of residents who refuted claims that they were in any way a danger and moreover that they were an important and valued part of local surroundings.

The Leylandii’s received a haircut from a turbo saw after the episode but remain standing.

Gary McMahon of Galway City Council described the situation as an ‘arboricultural issue’ which they hope to resolve soon by entering into discussion with both sets of neighbours.