Diseased trees that will 'inevitably lead to major issues' in Clare to be 'dealt with accordingly'

Diseased roadside ash trees in Clare which will 'inevitably lead to major issues' in the winter cannot be touched by Clare County Council by law, a senior engineer has reminded councillors. 

In the latest council meeting, councillor Pat Burke brought the issue of roadside ash trees that have suffered from ash dieback disease up and called for clarity on the subject. 

Cllr Burke put the following motion forward: "I am calling on Clare County Council to outline what plans are in place to deal with roadside Ash Trees that have suffered from ash dieback disease and will inevitably lead to major issues during any storms that may occur during the coming winter."

In response, senior engineer Seán Lenihan told council members that while the council can only step in and 'deal with the matter accordingly' if said trees are in a public area, they can however offer individual landowners advice. 

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"Municipal District Staff throughout the county are very mindful of the risks relating to roadside trees in the public domain affected by ash dieback disease among other things and routinely carry out tree surveys to assist in the identity of same," Mr Lenihan said.

"Landowners are reminded of their statutory obligation under Section 70 of the Roads Act to ensure that any roadside trees/hedges within their lands do not present a danger to the public.

"All MD Offices would welcome a call from any member of the public who may have a query or concern in a particular location. If in an area of public charge, we will deal with the matter accordingly otherwise we can offer advice to the landowner concerned."