One tree to be cut says school principal

One tree to be cut says school principal

24 June 2015

THE principal of a new Dundrum school has spoken out to dispel concerns about plans to cut down trees to clear land for a car park.

Anne Cooper, principal of Knockevin Special School, has reassured residents of the village that only one diseased tree will be cut down as part of plans to develop a parking area for a new infant school that is currently under construction.

The Department for Education has pledged £2.49million for Knockevin Infants Centre, which will provide a second campus for Downpatrick-based Knockevin Special School.

The centre, which will cater for 32 children from three to eight years old who will then transfer to the senior campus, will be the area’s first early years assessment unit for infants with severe special needs.

Contractors moved on site to begin the long-awaited development in the New Year but in recent weeks concerns have been raised by residents who fear mature trees may be under threat.

South Down MP Margaret Ritchie said she had been contacted by residents concerned there may be proposals to remove some of the trees to make provision for parking.

“This much-needed new build for Knockevin and for children and young people with special needs must not be undermined – it took such a long time to bring to this stage of development,” she said.

“It will also enhance the local economy and bring jobs and a much needed public service to the area.  

“Residents are adamant to point out they welcome the new school in the village – which is not only an asset to the local area, but will provide much needed up to date accommodation for children with special needs.  

“But it is important that the Department of the Environment, the South Eastern Education and Library Board, the Planning Service and the project developers for the school scheme clarify if the trees will be retained; if they have received planning approval for the removal of the trees; if some or all of the trees are to be removed – is it possible to clarify the actual location of the trees to be removed and if these trees are subject to a Tree Preservation Order.”

Mrs Cooper, who will be responsible for the new split-campus facility, emphasised that only one diseased tree would be removed as part of the school development project.

She said this had been agreed following consultation and was only happening for safety reasons.

She confirmed that the removal of the tree would allow for a few extra car parking spaces.

“If this tree had not been diseased it would not be removed,” she said. “I would like to reassure residents about that.”