To ask the Minister for Infrastructure what action her Department is taking to ensure the trees damaged by her Department along the Comber Road leading into Killyleagh are properly protected and prevented from dying.

As you are aware, in October 2021 my Department trimmed back a number of overhanging branches along the Comber Road, Killyleagh which addressed the immediate safety risk. Unfortunately a number of branches were left ‘hanging’ from the trees leaving an unsightly appearance so I have asked officials to remove the broken branches and tidy up the tree line in the coming weeks.

I am also advised that it is not anticipated the trimming work has caused any long term damage to the trees which are expected to recover and improve in appearance over future growing seasons.