Ardee Railway Lands Memorial Trees

Louth County Council would like to engage with members of the public who have memorial trees planted at the Railway Lands, Ardee.

Ardee Railway lands were acquired by Louth County Council in 2022, to preserve them for use under the Ardee 2040 plan. For a number of years, prior to this, the lands have been operating as a public open space managed by the Ardee Tidy Towns group supported by a CE scheme. In recent years a memorial initiative was established by a member of the public, the planting of trees with plaques as memorials for deceased members of the community.

In recognition of the community investment in the area, and to honour the personal nature of the trees, the council is proposing to create a dedicated memorial woodland area within the Railway Lands.

The council acknowledges the work and sentiment behind the existing planting scheme and is aware of the significance that these trees hold for members of the community in Ardee, who have purchased them in memory of loved ones. 

Currently, there are approximately 364 memorial trees with plaques on the site, most trees planted are ornamental flowering cherries (Prunus), with some maples (Acer), whitebeam (Sorbusaria) and small-leaved limes (Tilia). Louth County Council has identified a dedicated area within the Railway Lands for the creation of contemplative memorial woodland. Approximately 122 of the existing trees have been identified for relocation during this dormant season (November – February), when deciduous trees are not actively growing. The remaining trees (200+) will remain in situ and continue to be monitored.

Louth County Council are planning to plant additional native trees including Rowan, Birch, Alder, Hazel and Holly which will enhance the ecological value and enrich the biodiversity in the area.

The movement of a selection of the trees to a dedicated memorial space is to ensure their longevity, prevent root damage to pathways and ensure overtime pathway sightlines are clear. The creation of a dedicated memorial area will also ensure that areas of the Railway Lands are available for active recreation and community use. Please see attached plans for further information on the relocation and proposed memorial woodland.

Louth County Council is inviting members of the public who have a tree planted on the Railway Lands to get in touch by emailing: parks@louthcoco.ie