An Taisce express concern over future of trees in Limerick park

THE LOCAL branch of heritage and environmental group An Taisce has raised concerns over the future of trees at Arthur’s Quay Park in the city centre.

In the wake of plans to change the face of the park, the voluntary group wrote to Limerick City and County Council seeking a tree preservation order.

This is a legal mechanism used to protect trees, groups of trees or woodlands from being damaged or destroyed.

PICTURES: Ireland's most scenic beer garden? Picturesque pub for sale in tourist spot

An Taisce has said there are 120 trees in Arthur’s Quay Park, including nine horse chestnut trees in the vicinity of the shopping centre.

However, the local authority rejected the tree preservation order.

In a letter seen by Limerick Live, the council said it will not be seeking the measure.

They pointed to an environmental report, prepared as part of a framework plan for Arthur’s Quay which suggested the trees and grassland “have limited ecological value”.

“The planning authority considers that the project will, in the long run, have ecological benefits resulting from a more diverse and native species range,” the letter adds.

Council had not returned a comment at the time of going to press, following a request.

Three visions have been put forward for the future of Arthur’s Quay park.

Two of these focus on a redesign and a remodelling of the buildings there or their extension.

The future of both the Sarsfield House tax office and the derelict former tourist office are up in the air.

Chair of An Taisce Limerick Sean McIlfatrick said: “A decision on the redevelopment of Arthur’s Quay Park has not been made, nor has a planning application been submitted. The outcome of this process should not be pre-determined in making a decision on protecting the unique tree canopy of the park.”

An Taisce Limerick has proposed a residential development at Arthur’s Quay Park.

“It’s vital we maintain our existing green space - and indeed it’s important that we increase it under the EU Nature Restoration Law, if we are to attract people - families, young people, older people, people at all life stages, back to living in the city centre,” Mr McIlfatrick stated.

“We know a significant number of the public submissions on the framework support the retention of the park and trees recognising the immense value of Arthur’s Quay Park,” he concluded.