Four towns identified for projects to increase Mayo tree canopy cover

FOUR towns in Mayo have been identified for potential tree planting to increase canopy cover.

The proposal was outlined in a presentation on a draft Mayo tree strategy, led by the county council in conjunction with an expert advisory group.

The draft strategy is still a work in progress.

In his presentation at a Roads and Sustainable Travel committee meeting, parks superintendent Peter Gill highlighted how Mayo has 8.5 million trees and the canopy cover is 10%.

Newport leads the way with 37% canopy cover, followed by Westport, 27.% - their tree legacy associated with Newport House and Westport House.

Trees - 'our lungs' - have many benefits, from combatting flooding to noise barriers and creating wind breaks, biodiversity, filtering pollution, climate change and contributing to health, physical and emotional wellbeing.

Increasing canopy cover is one element of the strategy and four towns have been identified for potential projects to achieve this - Ballina, Castlebar, Newport and Westport, working with stakeholders.

Ash dieback disease is another element but there was an opportunity for them to do something as a local authority, said Mr. Gill. It starts with mapping trees they are responsible for.

They are involved in an initiative with UCD and Teagasc in a citizen science project. With 5 - 7% of trees showing resistance, they were asking people to identify them and then trees that are resistance can be propagate from them and planted.

The strategy, he told members, is still a work in progress and a final draft will be presented as soon as they could.

With the discussion coming in the aftermath of Storm Éowyn, there were some issues raised by members.

Councillor Richard Finn highlighted trees in estates planted too near to homes and not pruned.

On ash dieback, a recommendation should be made to the Department of Agriculture to encourage landowners to deal with overhanging trees, particularly near roads and powerlines, said Councillor Damien Ryan.

In recent years, provision was made in the district to deal with overhanging trees and it had an impact during the recent storm. Further sites needed to be identified and addressed in 2025, he said.

Committee member Christy Hyland asked management if there is a plan in place to get emergency personnel such a doctors, nurses and carers to work in times of icy weather or dealing with fallen trees.