Storm Éowyn destroyed mature trees in Portlaoise housing estate

The record breaking Storm Éowyn that hit Laois and Ireland last January brought down thousands of trees, including mature specimens in a Portlaoise housing estate.

Newpark in Portlaoise has an eco friendly public park area but many of the trees were destroyed, according to Cllr Catherine Fitzgerald.

She is asking Laois County Council to plant replacements for trees that were "lost in the storm", tabling a motion with her request to the March meeting of Portlaoise Municipal District.

"They have a lovely play area with very mature trees, they've lost a lot of them," she reported.

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Senior district engineer Wes Wilkinson said his office will meet Cllr Fitzgerald on site. He said they will examine the trees in Newpark with a view to replacing any lost trees in the public area, as appropriate.

"We will meet with residents and come up with a plan," Cllr Fitzgerald added.