Concerns over lack of consultation on tree felling along Cork road

CONCERNS have been raised about a lack of communication with residents about the felling of trees along the N28 Cork to Ringaskiddy road.

Tree and hedgerow removal works are taking place along the Carr’s Hill stretch of the N28, which runs from the South Ring Rd out to Ringaskiddy, to make way for the new M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy scheme.

However, Labour Party local election candidate for Cork City South East, Peter Horgan, said that a lack of communication on the removal of trees at Carr’s Hill has shocked residents in neighbouring estates such as Bloomfield, Woodbrook, and Mount Oval.

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Horgan said that residents need to be communicated with directly about the scheme.

“Residents have cited to me the starkness of the tree cutting that has taken place. At the nub is a lack of outwardly, accessible, communication on what is happening,” he said.

“The road is happening, but more engagement with communities — so there is a buy-in on the different elements — is required.”

Engagement

In response to a parliamentary question submitted by the Labour Party seeking information on the tree felling process, Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) said site clearance and tree and hedgerow removal works have been undertaken to facilitate the detailed design and advanced enabling works for the scheme.

“To date, three hectares of invasive gorse and 18.7ha of trees and hedgerows have been cleared, in compliance with our Environmental Impact Statement commitments for the scheme,” TII said. “This clearance work has enabled the diversion of major utilities from within the route corridor.

“The clearance works were also necessary to facilitate detailed ground investigation works and topographical surveys.

“Furthermore, the clearance works were required to assess and mitigate the archaeological impacts of construction along the 12.5km route.”

It also said that over 20ha of new trees and shrubs will be planted as part of the scheme, and that 1,200 trees and shrubs have been planted to date in advance of the main contract works.

TII has recorded a total spend to date of €48.7m on the M28 Cork to Ringaskiddy scheme up to the end of the 2023 financial year, and the Department of Transport has confirmed a grant allocation of €17.6m to progress the scheme in 2024.