Works on ‘Hanging Trees’ will advance when other funding secured
Cork County Council have confirmed that works to the historic ‘Hanging Trees’ in Rathcormac will not be advanced until the remainder of the works in the village have secured funding.
Despite mounting speculation regarding the trees in relation to the ongoing public realm works in the village and the trees’ deteriorating condition, the council also confirmed that they have no plans to remove them.
“Cork County Council have advanced no plans in the removal of the trees identified. Trees will only be removed if they are dangerous or likely to be a danger to the general public or where their removal is required to advance roadworks,” a Cork County Council spokesperson said.
Last week, The Avondhu outlined works planned for the village regarding the Hanging Trees under the R639 Public Realm and Streetscape Regeneration Scheme for Rathcormac. Within the plan, it was stated that the trees are ‘approaching their final years’ as the proposal seeks to aerate the root zone around the trees in addition to provide a bespoke metal grille around them.
The plan also calls for cuttings to be taken from the existing historic trees to be grafted on to rootstocks and planted on the opposite side of the street to the trees, thereby maintaining their memory and place in the village’s history.
Under this plan, Cork County Council also confirmed that the Hanging Trees are to be retained in any future village upgrade.
“There are special feature grill works proposed surrounding the base of these trees but this will only be advanced when the remainder of the village has secured funding,” the spokesperson added.
Included in the scheme are also works to create a gateway at either end of the village, reductions in road widths at the outskirts of the village, widening of footpaths, planting, village centre works, creation of village focal points, raised tables and crossing points, as well as several other public realm and traffic calming measures.