Alliance motion on tree protection wins support of Mid and East Antrim Council

Views of the Ecos Nature Park in Ballymena

Mid and East Antrim Borough Council has backed a motion to strengthen the protection of trees across the borough, working alongside public sector and charity organisations.

Proposing the motion at this month’s full council meeting at The Braid in Ballymena, Carrickfergus Castle Alliance Councillor Lauren Gray said:

“Trees are fundamental in our response to climate change, capturing carbon and acting as natural soil defences in urban areas. We have the opportunity to be leaders on this issue rather than leaving it up to chance.

“Northern Ireland is currently the least wooded area in Europe and while MEA is working locally to reverse the decline with planting, together we can do more to protect the trees we have for future generations.”

Seconding the motion, Larne Lough Alliance Councillor Maeve Donnelly added:

“Native mature trees are also more resilient to a changing climate as they not only soak up carbon dioxide but also provide shade, reduce flood risks and offer peaceful spaces for people to enjoy.

“Currently, Northern Ireland has under six per cent tree cover, in contrast to the European Union average of 38 per cent. Scotland, for example, has increased from five per cent to 18.5 per cent through proper stewardship of the issue.

“We need to seriously consider that we are in a climate emergency and ensure stronger protection for our valuable and irreplaceable native trees and woods.”

Knockagh DUP Councillor Peter Johnston also backed the principle but expressed concern over enforcement.

“We have a duty to protect the trees we have. Unfortunately, in my experience, this council has a weak track record when it comes to how we treat Tree Preservation Orders,” he said.

“Too often, developers have cut down mature trees despite conditions being in place, and it has really been a case of asking for forgiveness afterwards.”

Cllr Johnston proposed amendments calling for stronger use of planning and enforcement powers and suggested linking the council’s work to the Queen’s Green Canopy Project, a UK-wide initiative launched in 2022 to mark Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee.

“Perhaps with this notice of motion, we as a council can identify more mature trees throughout the borough that we can highlight and mark in line with the Queen’s Green Canopy Project, to raise the profile of trees but also leave a legacy,” he said.

Responding to Cllr Johnston’s comments, a council planning officer said:

“We certainly take our duties very seriously in the planning department in terms of tree preservation. In fact, this week, the Planning Committee has an application coming forward for the creation of a new Tree Preservation Order. That demonstrates our commitment to preserving trees in our borough.”

Earlier this month, the Planning Committee confirmed a provisional Tree Preservation Order at Craigs Wood, Broughshane.

However, Braid TUV Councillor Christopher Jamieson criticised the motion, questioning council priorities.

“At a time when ratepayers are up in arms about increases in rates, and when there is no bus provision for a brand-new NRC building and other facilities along the £7.5m Ballymena link road, we have chosen to bring this motion to the chamber,” he said.

“Let’s be frank. The benefits of trees are widely known. Children in school are well-educated about photosynthesis. We should not be wasting ratepayers’ money and council officials’ time on awareness campaigns about trees. If this had been about developing green spaces as part of planning for future projects, it would be different.

“Ratepayers do not need to be patronised. If the Alliance Party believes there is a lack of knowledge among the public, perhaps they should take it up with their party colleague, Minister Muir.”

Cllr Jamieson described the motion as “pointless” and confirmed that he and his colleagues would oppose it.

In reply, Cllr Gray said she was “happy to look at anything that could be done to protect our trees” and stressed that all motions are subject to costing before any action is taken.

“I think anything we can do to help and protect our trees is worthwhile,” she said.

The amended motion — to “promote the protection and planting of trees through all aspects of council work, and with other public sector and charity organisations” — was carried by 28 votes in favour, six against and one abstention.

Mayor of Mid and East Antrim, Councillor Jackson Minford, confirmed the motion would be taken forward for financial and equality assessment before returning to a future council meeting for final approval.