The Green Party is calling for a pause on Belfast flood alleviation works after trees were “ripped out” as part of the plan.
The move came amid anger at a number of mature trees being felled in the Stranmillis area of South Belfast over the last few days.
A Department for Infrastructure spokesman insisted it was “necessary” to remove the trees to allow the work to proceed.
But Green Councillor Aine Groogan said that while her party supports the flood mitigation scheme they are “deeply concerned” at the “wholesale” destruction of trees in the area close to Cutters Wharf. She called on Minister Nichola Mallon to “pause construction” along the Lagan towpath “to ensure that no more trees will be cut down unnecessarily”.
She said the flood scheme is needed to “mitigate” against climate change, but that “appropriate assessments” need to be carried before trees are felled rather than taking the “easy option”.
The loss of the trees has sparked some anger on social media and in Nextdoor groups.
A spokesman the Department said: “Site clearance & investigation works in relation to the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme is ongoing. Notices and social media have been used to raise awareness of the ongoing works.
“These works are necessary to facilitate the construction of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme. Only the trees and shrubs necessary to gain access to execute the works are to be removed. Last week eleven trees of varying sizes were removed within the Stranmillis Wharf area and, at this stage, it is envisaged a further four trees may need removed at this location.
"The majority of the site clearance works are being targeted now, to mitigate the potential impact and avoid the bird nesting season, in preparation for the start of construction in Spring 2022.
“Throughout the development of the scheme design, efforts have been taken to minimise the impact from the proposed works on the local environment and wildlife as much as possible and consultation with relevant authorities has been undertaken.
"However, the removal of some trees and shrubs is unavoidable to facilitate the construction of this important project which will reduce tidal flood risk to over 1500 properties within Belfast. Areas where trees and shrubs have to be removed to facilitate the works are to be reinstated with similar species where possible.”
