Removal of trees in the Friary Grounds

Following the Ballyhaunis Biodiversity Action Plan (BAP) launch in March 2024, Ballyhaunis Tidy Towns set out to maintain and plant mini woodlands and orchards in the Friary Grounds, including the An Choill Bheag. This was done by engaging with and receiving approval from all relevant parties such as the Abbey Partnership, Abbey Trust, and Mayo County Council. Several sponsors and grants enabled this achievement, including local donors (Dawn Meats, Major Equipment, Ballyhaunis SuperValu, First Choice Credit Union among others) and organisations such as Community Foundation Ireland and Burren Beo's Hare's Corner. Our objective was to follow the vision and plan set in the BAP to create more diverse habitats and enhance biodiversity and amenity value in the Friary Grounds. We formulated and published a long term planting and maintenance plan, and have followed through with this plan for the last 3 years, thanks to the help of many volunteers and community members, which we'd like to thank for their support. 

However, these trees had to be lifted and relocated due to the Friary Grounds' protected status, which was not mentioned in the BAP or by the council at planning or implementation stage, a fact that we only learned of in 2025. We are now waiting for a list of all the trees that are in storage, and are working with the park superintendent and biodiversity office to finally relocate the trees in the community. We received this explanatory statement, which we'd like to share with the community: 

Due to the sites status as a recorded monument (RMP MA 093-063 001-005 friars ground Augustinian Abbey) and concerns regarding the visual impact over time on the upstanding architectural remains on the site and the potential damage tree roots may have on archaeological features, tree saplings were removed with the works supervised by an Archaeologist and Horticulturist. It is acknowledged that Ballyhaunis Tidy Towns were aware of the works but regretful that they were not kept informed when the works were carried out. As you are aware, Mayo County Council are working in consultation with Ballyhaunis Tidy Towns in developing a community tree-based project that will accommodate some of the trees that were removed. This project will be in keeping with existing Ballyhaunis Biodiversity Action Plans aims and objectives. Mayo County Council look forward to working with Ballyhaunis Tidy Towns Committee in the future and acknowledge the hard work of your dedicated committee.  Regards, Peter Gill, Parks Superintendent. 

We have an opportunity for community members to participate in this planning. Please consider joining the Tidy Towns committee to bring interesting projects to life.

Additionally, Mayo County Council are currently seeking feedback on the Draft Mayo Biodiversity Action Plan 2026-2031. Visit https://consult.mayo.ie/ento share your thoughts before the end of May.