Warning over dangerous forestry trees potentially threatening Leitrim roads

A call has been made for an inventory of potentially dangerous overhanging forestry trees to be carried out across the county before winter arrives.

The call was made by Cllr Paddy O’Rourke at a recent meeting of Ballinamore Municipal District, where he submitted a motion stating, “I ask that Leitrim County Council carry out an inventory of what is regarded as potentially dangerous over-hanging forestry trees which given the forecast of storm winds over the coming winter has potential to bring the county to a standstill which as is inevitable, they will fall either onto public roads or power lines.”

A response from the Roads Department explained that councillors are requested to submit a list of affected roads and locations where there are concerns regarding trees. The Council will then review the locations and, where appropriate, contact the forestry company or landowner.

Cllr O’Rourke commented that the reply appeared to pass the responsibility back to councillors.

“I don’t think we’re qualified to give judgement on these dangerous trees. There’s trees that are obvious but I’d prefer to see more of a commitment that the Council with their qualified staff would do an assessment,” he said.

The meeting was informed that the Council has an inventory of all the forestry and where they are, so they can notify the forestry companies and remind them of their duties. Otherwise, it all depends on resources, and if councillors have any specific locations they can identify, they can let the Council know and it can identify who the landowner is.

Discussion was then had on the need for action where people receive notices to cut their overhanging hedges but ignore them. Around 400 notices are sent out by the Council each year regarding hedge cutting, with many of them recurring.

Cllr O’Rourke also submitted a motion asking for road repairs on the L-1502-1, where a depression has occurred convenient to the entry to Drumreilly GAA grounds.

It was confirmed that the road will be inspected and, where appropriate, repairs will be carried out if deemed necessary.