Safety concerns sees Cork city centre trees removed

Trees that were taken down from one of Cork’s main thoroughfares were removed due to health and safety concerns, according to the City Council.

The unveiling of the new Maldron Hotel on South Mall this week, and the opening of the Eventbrite offices in the former Thomas Crosbie Holdings building on the same street, have raised concerns that trees along the street were removed as part of the construction work.

Lawyer Tim O’Connor noted that not only had lime trees been removed from South Mall, but the ground where they once stood had been paved over, preventing any replanting.

Mr O’Connor said trees have also been removed further down the South Mall at AIB Bank, and he sought an explanation from the City Council via Twitter.

“So, @corkcitycouncil - what’s happening here? Because between this, AIB and elsewhere, it looks like you’re letting every tree on the Mall and Parnell Place be removed by stealth and making sure none get replanted,” he asked.

The City Council replied to explain the matter: “Our team from Environment & Recreation investigated the issue and have said that two trees were removed on health & safety grounds prior to any commencement of work on the hotel site. Two trees will be planted in Parnell Place in the Spring.”

No commitment was made to replace the trees on the South Mall.