A senior council official has confirmed that none of the councillors on Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council knew in advance that a 90-year-old oak tree in the town was to be cut down.

Controversy erupted last year when it emerged that the local authority intended to cut down the Sessile Oak tree as part of its Active Travel programme in the Ballyraine area, with the land required for new cycle lanes and pathways.

A high profile campaign of opposition followed, and more than 1,600 people signed a petition calling for the tree to be preserved.

However, the removal of the tree during the hours of darkness last week prompted considerable reaction in the local community, and a number of local public representatives were contacted by disbelieving and irate residents.

Councillors responded last week, stating that they had no prior knowledge that the tree was going to be felled in such a manner.

On Tuesday, the issue came before the September meeting of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council.

While councillors had received a verbal update in August, they were expecting a further consultation and had not been given any date in advance about plans to remove the tree.

The Mayor of Letterkenny-Milford Municipal District Council, Cllr Ciaran Brogan said that “it needs to be acknowledged that it was handled very poorly (by the council) and members were not informed.”

Regarding the removal of the tree, Senior Roads Engineer, David McIlwaine confirmed that “none of the members were advised of when it would take place.”

The tree was cut down between 5am and 7am on Wednesday, September 3 by a specialist tree surgeon.

Meanwhile, a section of the tree has been maintained for future use in the area.