IT wasn’t Christmas trees that were on the mind of Councillor Mary Howard at a recent meeting of the Ennis Municipal District, but the damage trees can cause to urban localities.

Councillor Howard asked the local authority to produce a list of trees suitable for planting in an urban setting at the monthly meeting of the council.

This follows her highlighting of the concerns for residents of Kincora Park last month of the “dangerous condition” of the footpath leading up to St Joseph’s Church which was blamed on “vigorous root growth”.

Speaking at the December meeting of the Ennis Municipal District Councillor Howard said she was a “real fan of trees”.

However she pointed out that they can cause problems.

“There can be damage caused during strong winds, fruit falling, roots lifting footpaths, obstructing sight lines, leaves blocking gutters,” she said.

She explained that having suitable trees planted would help solve some of these issues.

“Putting the right trees in the right place with careful management most of these problems can be alleviated,” she said adding this would result in places where “trees can thrive without causing a nuisance”.

On a positive note she outlined some of the benefits of having trees including reducing air pollution, enhancing outdoor spaces and reducing soil erosion.

“They enhance the landscape and we know they are good for our health as well as providing habitats for wildlife that increases urban diversity.”

She suggested that the council use social media to direct the public to species of trees that would be suitable in urban locations.

“Trees are very pleasing to the eye, but it needs to be the correct tree in the correct location,” she concluded.

Congella McGuire, Heritage Officer, responded to the motion by pointing Councillor Howard towards guidance produced by Clare County Council for lists of suitable trees for planting in urban setting.

These are the Tree Design Guide-for-Towns-and Villages- in County Clare . Also Buds of the Banner  and look at the methodology in the Survey of Trees in Towns and Villages of County Clare.”

The motion was supported by Councillor Johnny Flynn who also acknowledged the “fantastic work” that has been done by the council in pruning trees. Councillor Paul Murphy also voiced his support for the motion.