Tree Saved In The Vevay Area Of Bray.

Wicklow TD Steven Matthews received a call that led to a well-loved tree in the Vevay Area being saved

On bank holiday Monday morning, Wicklow Green Party TD Steven Matthews received a call that led to a well-loved tree in the Vevay Area being saved.

Deputy Matthews says:

“I had worked with residents to get a Tree Preservation Order on this tree when I was a councillor.

"They called me to ask if I could help stop the work on the tree.

“I was able to dig out the TPO map for Bray and send it to them. The Gardai were informed and with the backing of a TPO and map the works were stopped. It was a great result that stemmed from the existing documentation showing the protection of the tree. Without it, the works would have continued.

“A TPO is about the only protection for trees in urban areas. We need more TPOs or other better protections for our urban trees. All trees need managing from time to time but a TPO means you need to obtain permission from the council before carrying out any work on a protected tree.

“I have a piece of legislation going through the Oireachtas process that would make better TPOs and allow councillors to designate areas locally important for ecology (LIFE sites). The process is very slow but I hope it will eventually pass and offer better protection to trees in urban environments.

“When I worked to get the TPO for this old Vevay Oak many years ago, I didn’t know when we would need to rely on it but that day arrived and similar situations are likely to arise for other much loved trees in Bray and other towns across Wicklow.”