Mature trees have been left with ‘chunks’ removed say residents
ESB Networks have been told by Louth County Council that they must contact them before cutting back trees in Drogheda in future.
It follows numerous complaints after a number of mature trees were severely pruned.
The electricity service have been busy in and around Drogheda recently examining fully grown trees in established housing estates with a view to determining if trees that are near power lines need to be cut back.
‘ The outcome has been less than satisfactory,’ states local Councillor Pio Smith.
Cllr Smith said “I have been contacted by residents in Yellowbatter, Shamrock Villas and Trinity Gardens regarding the ESB tree cutting and they have been shocked at the state that the trees have been left in. I visited all of the estates and have witnessed large chunks being cut out of the middle of mature trees. In a number of cases beautiful cherry blossom trees have ended up in a v shape after ESB intervention.
“I have been in contact with council officials who have assured me that they were not notified by the ESB in relation to these operations. Council officials have since contacted the ESB and advised them that in future they must notify the council of their intentions to cut back trees.
“I know that it is ESB policy to cut back trees to a safe and reasonable distance but the manner in which the recent operation has taken place is unacceptable. Louth County Council are currently surveying trees in estates around the town to determine what works if any need to take place,’ he added.