Trees causing damage to footpaths 

The issue of trees affecting footpaths in Ballyleague was raised at a recent meeting of the Roscommon Municipal District.

Cllr Kathleen Shanagher said councillors had numerous representations from people in the village about the issue. There was also a recent meeting held in the village about the matter, which was attended by local politicians.

The council said that trees were causing damage to footpaths and that the council was examining it.

Cllr Orla Leyden said that at the meeting that the community was aware trees were uprooting the paths.

“They would like to hopefully try to take the trees and put them somewhere else. But as you head down to the Access for All boat, when you come back onto the path, it is absolutely inaccessible because of the trees,” she said. “It is very important that the paths are fully accessible.” She said that a substantial investment was required.

Cllr Paschal Fitzmaurice suggested that the footpaths could be done section by section. He added that he knew of locations were flower and cherry trees were planted in housing estates and had “lifted footpaths six inches high. They are beautiful trees, but they are not suitable for footpaths. We need to encourage people to stop planting them near footpaths in towns and villages,” he said.

Cllr Marty McDermott said that trees were also damaging walls and headstones in cemeteries.