Historic trees set for the chop to widen road

TREES that have lined the Gortin Road in Omagh for nearly 100 years will soon be chopped down to make way for a new four-lane road as part of the Strule Education Campus project.

A total of 37 trees – one of which is believed to be 200 years-old – are being removed by an approved tree surgeon.

The work is due to be carried out by the Department for Infrastructure (DFI) early this year, although the exact date for the scheme has not been finalised.

Most of the trees are estimated to be around 80-90 years old. They consist mainly of what have been described as ‘mature to over-mature trees’.

Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, which owns the ground on which the trees are situated, was due to discuss plans for their removal at a meeting of its environmental services committee last night (Wednesday).

The council was told that site meetings have been taking place with roads officials from the Department and design consultants.

The DFI said it hopes to commence the tree removal early this year, and is requesting entry to the site in order to complete the work in line with its planning permission for the road.

A total of £12,500 has been agreed in compensation for the amount of land being required.

In addition to the cutting down of the trees on the Grange Park side of the road, a number of other works on the site will also be completed as part of road-widening scheme.

These will include the removal of a sculpture along the road, the archway welcoming people to the Grange Park and exercise equipment which currently forms part of an outdoor gym.

Around 20-30 new trees similar to those which are seen to thrive in Dublin and London are to be planted by the DFI as part of the scheme.

The road is being widened to improve access for the some 4,000 students expected to attend the new education campus.

It is currently scheduled to open in September 2026, however the project has been hampered by a series of delays.