By Lisa Ramsden
THE decision to remove mature trees as part of a Department for Infrastructure project on the main road outside Dundrum has been described as “madness”.
That was one of the views expressed when residents gathered for a meeting in the village recently, at which views were shared on the project.
The scheme is focusing on a stretch of the main road between the outskirts of Clough and Dundrum and, since it commenced, locals have raised concerns about its value, with one councillor, Alan Lewis, having already stated that the money spent on the project is “increasingly hard to justify”.
The scheme relates to a section of the main road.
Last November, the Department for Infrastructure (DfI) announced details of the £784,000 scheme from Clough to Dundrum, which is focussing on providing 1.6 km of improvements between the Ardilea Road to the council car park along Dundrum’s Main Street.
When making the announcement, DfI Minister Liz Kimmins said the work is aimed at “creating cleaner and greener travel options”.
The Minister added that the route between the two villages would “enhance active travel provision in the area”.
She said the project reflected her “ongoing commitment to walking, wheeling and cycling,” adding that it will provide “healthy, environmentally friendly transport choices for people who wish to leave the car behind for some of their shorter everyday journeys”.
However, since work commenced, locals have raised concerns about why mature trees, some of which were planted by Dundrum residents, have been felled on the shore side of the main road leading into the village.
They have suggested that the trees’ removal may lead to an increase in localised flooding along the busy main road.
Other residents are worried about the impact on the local environment as well as the consequences of losing the trees, which provided a degree of shelter.
Richie Shilliday was one of the locals to voice his concerns.
“It’s fair to say we are shocked that you are allowed to cut down trees in this manner,” he said.
“I would love to know what DfI’s plan is in terms of this? Will they replant trees in the wider Dundrum area? “There was no community consultation whatsoever, this is just wrong.”
