Nature conservationists in Letterkenny are campaigning to save a decades-old native Irish Oak tree that is due to be cut down for a cycle path. Active Travel works in the Ballyraine/Creamery area of the town will include the removal of vegetation to make way for greener, sustainable transport paths. However, An Taisce Donegal Local Association says the felling of trees would be detrimental to the local environment.
The group is seeking to have the cycle path diverted around the tree instead. Ribbons and posters have been stapled to the Sessile Oak tree on the Ramelton Road near Orchard Grove. The posters say ‘SAVE ME PLEASE’ and feature a poem, saying “cycle round me and let the wildlife enjoy me as well, cyclists will come to no harm I assure you.
” Ballyraine Oak Tree Noel Foley, Chairman of An Taisce Donegal Local Association, said that representatives met with a member of the roads design team on the 4th of September “but seemingly failed to change the decision to route the cycle way along the path that has been chosen and to fell the tree.” “With regret, all we can do now is make people aware of the majestic beauty of this tree before it is gone.” He said the sessile oak holds the status of Ireland’s National Tree since 1990.
“ This particular tree is a fine example of the species. It is in its prime, producing acorns,” Mr Foley explained. “It is an iconic tree that commands the landscape when approached from any direction in all seasons.
“It has.