Call for tree planting in urban development as Meath launches biodiversity plan
Meath needs to integrate tree planting into urban development, according to a Independent councillor, as a new Biodiversity Plan for the county was presented at a recent meeting.
Councillor Noel French welcomed the new Biodiversity Plan for Meath County Council, thanking Biodiversity Officer Ben Malone and his team for developing it.
The new Biodiversity Plan 2025–2030 sets out a framework to protect Meath’s natural heritage, restore habitats, and guide communities and local authorities toward a more nature-positive and climate-resilient future.
At the November full meeting, the councillor spoke about the county’s ongoing challenges with trees, particularly during storms.
“We have had problems in this county with trees. As a result of storms, dangerous trees have blocked roads and taken out electricity lines. Earlier this year, Storm Éowyn showed up the poor maintenance of vegetation around power lines after falling trees and snapping branches caused widespread damage and outages. Thousands of homes and businesses were left without power,” he said.
“A policy on roadside tree management for landowners is to be welcomed. Ash Dieback disease has exacerbated the situation, with many tree lines weakened by dead or dying ash trees. Some trees, such as beech, are inherently more susceptible to being felled by strong winds.”
“We should plant more trees to sequester carbon and promote biodiversity. Increasing native trees will improve biodiversity and support natural ecosystems. Trees absorb greenhouse gases, and increasing the number of trees is a key strategy for climate change mitigation. Trees improve air and water quality and increase aesthetic and recreational value,” he added.
Cllr French pointed to other councils, such as Dublin City Council, which “encourage and promote tree planting in new public and private developments, with trees considered an integral part of the space.”
“Meath County Council needs to integrate tree planting into urban development and also into our existing settlements. Large trees cause major problems in housing estates, as do some of the species which were planted being entirely unsuitable,” Cllr French said.
“This policy will involve landowners and farmers who are responsible for maintaining trees on their lands where they pose a danger to road users.”
"Involving council staff and contractors will ensure that a tree management strategy will be successful. Providing proactive roadside tree management guidelines will limit the impact of future storms and protect key electricity infrastructure.”