Dismay in Tipperary as trees cut down to make way for new footpath and cycleway

There was great delight in Roscrea as news emerged recently that nearly half-a-million euro was secured for a new cycle and pedestrian way along the middle bypass in Roscrea.

The route is between the Parkmore and Nenagh road roundabouts and is a popular location for evening walkers, joggers and cyclists. The stretch of road also services several large industries and is used by walkers in the very dark early morning hours and late at night - which prompted an upgrade to enhance safety.

However, the initial delight for the funding has quickly turned to dismay and great disappointment for many local people following the clear felling of hundreds of native 30-year-old trees stretching for almost half a kilometre and ranging between 15 and 20 metres in length which lined the road.

In a time when the focus is on planting and replenishing Ireland's native trees, the decision has been described as incomprehensible by locals.

“Minister Eamon Ryan surely can't condone this?” one Roscrea person pointed out to the Tribune. “Money to provide an amenity at a great loss to the environment. Is this what the Green Party are about?” they asked.

Thinning the trees to create a wonderful natural corridor was suggested as a better solution. “It is hoped that any further removal of trees for these project will be more enlightened”, they said.