*Photograph: Joe Buckley
TREES need to be planted in the right place for urban settings, an Ennis councillor has stated.
In a recent proposal before the Ennis Municipal District, Cllr Mary Howard (FG) asked for a list of trees “suitable for planting in an urban setting” to be produced.
Heritage Officer, Congella McGuire in her response informed the former Mayor of Clare that several pieces of guidance have been produced by Clare County Council on this particular topic. This includes a 82 page tree design guide for towns and villages in Clare, a 64 page guide to growing trees and shrubs in the county called ‘Buds of the Banner’ and a December 2015 Survey of Trees in Towns and Villages of County Clare amounting to 132 pages.
Cllr Howard stated, “I regularly bring up motions regarding the damage trees do and believe me I’m a big fan of trees”.
When trees are located are in the wrong place, there can be consequences, Mary warned. “Damage could be debris falling, leaves or branches falling on people, disrupting sight lines for drivers, creating trip hazards on footpaths, this is all about putting the right tree in the right place”.
“Small trees ideal for an urban setting, this motion is about getting trees to give their full benefit without causing an obstacle,” she explained. “Infographics or shareable posters showing the correct trees to go in urban settings. Tree roots damaging walls and footpaths in Kincora Park. We love trees, they are good, they are pleasing to the eye and add to the town of Ennis,” Cllr Howard added.
According to Cllr Johnny Flynn (FG) “fantastic work” has been done around the town when it comes to pruning trees. He said the motion from his colleague was “very worthwhile”. Cllr Paul Murphy (FG) also lended his support.
