Laois County Council accused of ‘doing nothing’ to address dangerous trees in wake of Storm Darragh 

A local County Councillor has accused Laois County Council of “doing nothing” to address dangerous trees across the county.

Independent Councillor Ollie Clooney hit out at the Council in the wake of Storm Darragh and the damage it caused.

Cllr Clooney was speaking at the final meeting of the Borris-in-Ossory-Mountmellick Municipal District of 2024.

He said there had been “90 trees” down during the storm, many of which he said were “preventable.”

The Independent Councillor added that “there will be more storms due to climate change,” and that Laois County Council “need to be prepared.”

Cllr Clooney pointed to these issues again later in the meeting when he requested that the Council clear overgrown section on the old road a Tinweir, Durrow, “to assist walkers.”

Fianna Fáil Councillor Seamus McDonald tabled a similar motion at the meeting, asking that the Council trim the ditches at the Ridge of Cappard.

Cllr McDonald pointed to the significant tourist footfall, in what he called “a beautifully scenic area.”

Mr Rory O’Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer, said the Council “will carry out a survey of the roadside hedgerows and will issue hedge cutting notices to the relevant landowners, where required.”

SEE ALSO – Mountmellick footpaths in ‘a dire state’ and require urgent attention to protect safety of pedestrians