Calls for review of Cork city’s tree policy after Ophelia knocks up to 600 trees

There have been calls for a full review of Cork City’s tree policy after it emerged that Storm Ophelia may have knocked up to 600 trees citywide — with the clean-up expected to cost millions.

Several councillors said officials need to conduct an urgent damage assessment of surviving trees, and then review the city’s policy on what it allows to be planted and where, and how those trees are managed.

The calls came during a special meeting of Cork City Council last night during which the full impact of Ophelia’s hurricane-force winds was laid bare. A report to councillors showed: