Works in Ardee lead to relocation of 122 ‘memorial trees’ on Railway Lands

By Olivia Ryan, The Drogheda Independent

The next phase of improvement works at the Railway Lands in Ardee will begin over the coming weeks, Louth County Council have announced.

The local authority have also outlined the planned relocation of 122 memorial trees on the site.

The works, which will be carried out in line with the ‘Ardee 2040 Regeneration Vision’, will include the enhancement and improvement of almost 1.1km of path through the Railway Lands, from O’Carroll Street to the N33.

In a statement the council confirmed that; “in order to facilitate this phase of the project works, 122 memorial trees will be relocated to a newly designated memorial woodland within the site.”

“The planned works will enhance the long-term ecological health of the Railway Lands, while preserving the sentimental value of the trees planted by families in memory of loved ones. The existing locations of many of the trees present long-term challenges, including shallow rooting, vulnerability to disease, and poor suitability for waterlogged soils.”

“The memorial woodland will also be supplemented with additional native species, including Rowan, Birch, Alder, Hazel and Holly, enhancing biodiversity and creating a peaceful setting for reflection. The remaining areas of the Railway Lands will continue to be preserved for active recreation and community use.”

Louth County Council is encouraging families who have planted memorial trees on the Railway Lands to contact them at parks@louthcoco.ie