Many storm-damaged trees to be cut down at Omagh cemetery

STORM Amy has just left us, but it has emerged the impact of Storm Eowyn from earlier this year is still being felt locally.

Gale-force winds hit Ireland on January 24 as the storm wreaked havoc across Ireland.

There was huge damage throughout Tyrone, with many roads being blocked by fallen trees.

Following Storm Eowyn, Fermanagh and Omagh District Council carried out an extensive investigation into the damage caused to council facilities.

The council has revealed that the majority of trees in a large section of Greenhill Cemetery in Omagh, which is managed by the council, are ‘windblown’, which means they were badly damaged in the storm.

As a result, 65% of the mature Norway Spruce trees in a 1.2 hectare area of the cemetery will have to be removed.

“It is important that windblown trees are removed as soon as possible to enable Council to maximise any potential income arising from timber sales,” a council report states.

The report will come before a meeting of the council’s Environment Services Committee this evening.

The report continues: “Subject to appropriate licensing approvals from DAERA, it is expected that harvesting operations will be completed prior to the next bird nesting season (1st March 2026).

“The wooded area is located to the left-hand side of Greenhill cemetery, adjacent to the carpark.

“It is a relatively level site with good access via the cemetery.

“The site will be cleared with trees stumps and brash removed after harvesting operations, enabling Council to progress preliminary site investigations associated with the development of a proposed crematorium.

“A new boundary fence will be installed along the southern boundary, adjacent to a private dwelling and access road, once harvesting operations have been completed.”

In relation to the proposed crematorium, these plans have long been in place at Greenhill Cemetery.