‘They’re taking the life out of the area’.

That was the concern up in Knockfree Avenue in Farranree this morning as the City Council prepare to remove a number of established trees to make way for new cycle lanes.

At least eight trees have been marked with an ‘X’ along the avenue, angering locals who say their concerns about the developments have not been taken into consideration.

While many cycle lanes are increasingly busy around Cork City, locals say that Knockfree Avenue is not a popular route for cyclists.

Speaking to Paul Byrne on Cork’s 96FM this morning, local resident Deirdre O’Connell said groups of local residents had turned out to protest the removal of the trees, calling the decision “a disgrace”.

Knockfree Avenue

“The Council was asked to get rid of the roundabout at the top of Fair Hill there and put in traffic lights and pedestrian crossing and the response was if we’re doing that we have to put in cycle lanes as well… and get rid of all the trees to make room for the cycle lanes.” O’Connell told The Opinion Line.

“I understand there’s safety issues. I completely understand that. But they’re tearing down trees, they’re getting rid of habitats for animals and insects and they’re taking the life out of the area.”

O’Connell said it was “very strange” that no local representative has come out to support the residents in their protest to save the trees.

“We can’t find any notes on where the council voted for it. Other than Damien Boylan contacted one of the girls the other day and said that it was a unanimous vote that they get rid of them.”

Later on, Cllr. Tony Fitzgerald called the show to admit that he was one of the councillors who voted for the trees to be removed.

“I also called to the houses and the residents here. I called to a number of them and I said, look, this is
going to happen. And even though there was concerns, but I did vote for it in its totality, looking at the positives and negatives.

“I do understand their frustrations. There are lots of people who want cycle lanes and there’s lots of people who want to retain trees and it’s very hard to get a balance. But unfortunately, look, this morning, the
scheme is passed, the contractor is in place.”

Images: The Opinion Line on Cork’s 96fm