Community meeting called to protect beloved Ballyraine Oak Tree

A campaign to save a 90-year-old Sessile Oak tree in Ballyraine, Letterkenny, is gaining traction, with a key meeting organised to raise awareness and gather support.

The historic tree, which has stood as a local landmark for nearly a century, faces removal due to planned development in the area.

Local resident Pauric Shevlin has launched a petition titled ‘Stop the Removal of the Historic Sessile Oak Tree in Ballyraine’ in a bid to halt the council’s plans.

The petition seeks to unite the community in an effort to preserve this vital piece of Letterkenny’s landscape.

In support of the campaign, Aontú General Election candidate Mary T. Sweeney has designed and sponsored leaflets to spread the word.

To further boost awareness, a cross-community meeting will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, October 2nd, at 5.45 pm at the tree’s location.

Organisers hope the gathering will draw attention to the cause and encourage people to sign the petition, helping to protect this cherished symbol of the area for future generations.

Noel Foley, Chair of An Taisce Donegal Local Association, has also expressed frustration with Donegal County Council’s stance.

He pointed out: “Donegal Co Council continues to repeat that ‘public consultations were carried out in 2020, but no objections regarding the tree were made at that time.’ This repetition adds insult to injury.”

Foley criticised the council for not recognising the environmental and landscape value of the trees, saying: “The Planning Section and cycle path design team should have been well aware of these values without the need for a public consultation.”

Foley also highlighted the threat to other trees in the area, including a row of Maples planted near Sweeney’s Spar, which are also slated for removal.

Describing the oak as an “iconic” feature, he praised the foresight of those who preserved the tree over the years. “It is a testament to their good sense and to the respect they had for this tree that it remains here after all those years.”

The online petition can be found at change.org/BallyraineOakTree.

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