Avenue of remembrance planned

Plans to create an avenue of remembrance to commemorate loved ones who have died, could be put in motion later this year.

The idea for the remembrance tree planting project came from Fine Gael Councillor Deirdre Forde.

Cllr Forde wanted do something for the families of those who died over the past year, especially for those who couldn’t hold the hands of their loved ones in their final moments, because of Covid-19 restrictions.

She explained: “We’re well aware of the horrendous year Cork people and people in region have had with Covid-19.

“I was racking my brain as to how we could commemorate the people that were lost and celebrate their lives, be they young or old.”

Cllr Forde continued: “When I think of all those people who we lost through nursing homes and who, for one reason or another, couldn’t hold their loved ones hand to keep them company in their final hours, I think everyone agrees that it’s a pretty horrendous situation,” she said.

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She continued “There are also people who were lost very tragically in our city, and as people are moving away from burial grounds towards different methods of burial, I thought wouldn’t it be great to have something tangible that we could commemorate and praise the success of their lives even though they gone.”

Cllr Forde ask Cork City Council to consider installing an intertwining tree lined ‘Avenue of Remembrance’ either at the perimeter of Curraheen Science Park, Tramore Valley Park or another suitable location.

“Their loved ones could contribute by donating towards the cost of a tree and maintenance of same and use this avenue for contemplative walks whilst remember their loved ones,” the Fine Gael councillor said.

A spokesperson for Cork City Council said: “This is very commendable motion and I anticipate it will be welcomed by many relatives of deceased loved ones. The proposal would also advance a number of the objectives in the Climate Change Adaptation Strategy 2019-2024 and, add to the city’s current actions on biodiversity. A remembrance tree planting project will be advanced during 2021 following the appointment of a tree officer.”

Draft details of the proposed project will be submitted to the environment committee for consideration.

Sinn Féin Cllr Mick Nugent welcomed Cllr Forde’s motion as did Fine Gael Cllr Damian Boylan who described it as a “wonderful idea”.