Roche renews call for culling of dangerous trees on rural roads

A local election candidate has renewed his calls for the culling of dangerous trees on roads across rural Wexford.  Sinn Fein’s Mick Roche said that the recent storms and the sheer volume of trees which had fell across roads and public areas was proof that a plan of work to cut back trees and foliage had to be implemented immediately.

“Last week four main routes in my own area were completely blocked by fallen trees,” Mr Roche said, “Had anyone bothered to conduct a simple survey, the fallen trees could easily have been identified as being in a dangerous state.  We are incredibly lucky that no one was seriously injured or killed during the recent storms as the sheer volume of trees and foliage that came down is awesome.”

“Luck has a nasty habit of running out and sooner or later a bad accident will occur.  The County Council must act before that can happen.  A countywide survey needs to be implemented to identify potentially dangerous roadside trees and then a prompt culling programme needs to be engaged.”

“Sinn Féín is not calling for a mass wipe out of trees across the county.  We would support the idea of sowing replacement saplings for every tree that has to be removed, but public safety must come first.  Falling trees are not just a nuisance to motorists; they are a very dangerous hazard that must be neutralised.”

“It would be possible to create temporary employment for people across the County who could be hastily trained and brought in to strengthen council teams as they go about this culling operation.  Such a job of work will cost money but maybe the €800 million being taken from motor tax revenue to fund Irish Water would be better spent in an effort to avert a potential disaster and save lives.”