Department brands loss of Greeba tree 'regrettable'

Four replacement trees to be planted at site

The Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture says the decision to fell a historic tree in Greeba was 'regrettable' but taken after 'careful consideration'.

Main Road in Greeba was shut to traffic to allow for tree felling works on 10 August. 

It was closed at the junction from Old Church Road to the Ballacraine crossroads, until 7pm, causing long traffic jams around the west of the Island.

Allegations had been made that the replacement of a boundary wall at Greeba Towers on the A1 was halted, leaving the bank exposed, putting several trees at risk, including one believed to be 'around 170 years old'.

This was the tree supposedly felled yesterday.

(Monday's road closure. Picture credit: DoI)

Manx Radio approached the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture for a response to the allegations.

It says the decision was made after a number of assessments were undertaken in the area and confirmed that four trees will be planted to replace the felled one.

In a statement a spokesperson said: "The department's regulatory function places the protection of life and public safety above all other considerations.

"In this case, once the Health and Safety regulator was called to the site, it became clear that further work could not proceed until retrospective engineering assessments and site health and safety risk assessments had been undertaken to fully understand the condition of the area and any associated risks.

"These studies were necessary to ensure that any decisions taken were evidence-based, proportionate, and in the interests of public safety.

"Rather than issuing a formal notice the inspector advised the landowner to stop work until a safe system of work and the necessary risk assessments for the hazardous works being undertaken had been secured.

"The inspector informed the landowner that a structural assessment of the bank should be carried out, and any necessary precautions implemented, prior to work recommencing.

"The landowner agreed to cease work on this basis.

"This is a common resolution whereby formal action is not required where duty holders cooperate with an inspector's findings.

"The landowner provided the required information at the earliest opportunity, allowing the engineering investigations to be completed.

"The findings of those assessments, provided by an independent third-party consultant, identified significant concerns regarding the stability and ongoing risk posed by the tree and its surrounding environment.

"As a result that professional advice concluded that removal of the tree was the only appropriate course of action to mitigate the identified risks and safeguard both the adjacent highway and the surrounding land.

"The department fully recognises the importance of mature and historically significant trees, and, through its responsibility for forestry matters, will always seek to protect and preserve trees of this nature wherever it is safe and practical to do so.

"However, in this particular instance, the evidence provided through the engineering reports demonstrated that retaining the tree would have presented an unacceptable risk.

"While the loss of the tree is regrettable, the decision was taken only after careful consideration of all available information and with the overriding objective of protecting public safety, the integrity of the road network, and the surrounding area.

"Throughout this process officials across the department remained engaged in the ongoing management of the site, reflecting the seriousness with which DEFA treats both public safety and the protection of significant trees. 

"A licence was granted to permit the tree's removal, with a condition attached requiring four replacement trees to be planted, with species and positioning to be agreed later.

"This will help ensure that the long-term visual impact on the area is minimised."