Tipperary County Council launch new tree strategy in Clonmel
The aim of the strategy is to ensure trees in Clonmel are preserved and new trees are planted
The aim of this tree strategy by Tipperary County Council is to ensure that the trees of Clonmel are preserved, new trees are planted and the full tree capital is managed in accordance with good arboriculture practice, with regard to their contribution to the local habitats, amenity and the landscape, for the benefit of both current and future generations.
The policy will provide a framework to support the district in not only meeting, but going beyond its statutory legal obligations. Key to this is the adoption of risk-based approach to the management of tree stock.
Clonmel Borough District Council has many legal obligations to manage the risks associated with trees including the Occupiers Liability Act, the Health and Safety at Work Act and the Roads Act.
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An adopted Tree Strategy will provide support and guidance to officers and the public decision making around trees, thus ensuring a consistent and transparent approach.
Much of what is included within the policy is already common practice adopted by the council, but by formalising it as a council agreed policy, it will facilitate the effective raising of awareness, management of public expectations and collaboration in relation to tree management.
In 2022 the removal of trees in Clonmel caused lots of opposition in Clonmel Town Centre. The trees were to be removed as part of a redevelopment plan and a campaign was set up by concerned locals called 'The save the trees' campaign. The campaign gathered 2,000 signatures of support and as a result the existing trees were removed but new semi-mature trees were planted after the works.