By Joe McCann
A DISPUTE has emerged between a local MLA and the Department of Infrastructure over trees in Comber which were blown down in Storm Éowyn earlier this year.
Strangford MLA Nick Mathison has accused the department of passing the back in not removing trees which were blown down at Mucker’s Field during January’s storm.
Mr Mathison said the Department (DfI) had previously removed two trees which came down over the Enler River in Comber but had not acted to remove other trees in nearby Mucker’s Field, one of the town’s most frequented green spaces.
Mr Mathison stated he was told by DfI Minister Liz Kimmins that the department would not cut down the remaining blown down trees because they were planning on selling the land to Ards and North Down Council.
However, DfI officials have disputed this and said they do not own the land in question and are not in talks to sell the land to the council.
“The Department for Infrastructure seems to have no interest in taking responsibility for trees which they are responsible for,” said Mr Mathison.
“Not only do the trees pose a health and safety risk but they are also an eyesore near one of the most frequented public green spaces in Comber.
“Following contact from my office, the Infrastructure Minister has advised that they may in the future transfer the land to the Council, so don’t plan to address the issue. This is simply passing the buck.
“Local ratepayers expect statutory agencies to take responsibility when it falls to them, and DfI are falling far short of this expectation.
However, a DfI spokesman said the Stormont department does not own the land by Mucker’s Field, nor were they planning on selling it to Ards and North Down Council.
The spokesman said: “A number of trees have been removed by the Department in recent months on the Enler River that have impeded water flow. We are aware of some fallen trees near Newtown Green, Comber, however the Department does not own the land in the vicinity of Mucker’s Field and Newtown Green and responsibility for any trees lies with the landowner.
“Where public safety risks are identified, it will be a matter for the landowner or occupier to ensure any risks are appropriately managed. There are no ongoing discussions between the Department and the local council regarding this site or any potential transfer of land.”
