More trees are to be felled along the River Lagan starting Monday as part of Belfast's flood alleviation scheme.
It follows weeks of protests against the loss of a row of mature trees in South Belfast to make way for a wall to protect against predicted rising sea levels.
One of the trees expected to fall this week was planted by Belfast's first woman Mayor, Grace Bannister.
Read more: Tree planted by Belfast's first woman mayor to be chopped down
The Department for Infrastructure has said it is essential that four trees locals had tried to protect near Governors Bridge in Stranmilllis, go and that "a replacement tree will be planted close to this location and dedicated to the former Lord Mayor Grace Bannister".
A DfI spokesperson said: "Further essential tree clearance will recommence [Monday] ahead of the bird nesting season and site investigation work will continue this week in the Lockview area of Stranmillis. The work is part of the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme to protect 1500 homes and properties from tidal flooding.
"The Department has carefully considered expert advice about alternative routes and construction methodologies for a flood wall on this stretch of the Lagan. It has been determined in conjunction with an independent tree expert that the current proposal is the best way forward which minimises the impacts on the number of trees needing to be replaced.
"To proceed to the next phase of the scheme, the removal of some trees and shrubs are necessary, including four mature trees on Council lands, one of which was planted by Belfast’s first female Lord Major.
"This work is necessary to facilitate the construction of this critical project which will protect the lives and properties of people who live in the Stranmillis area from tidal flooding. Failure to remove these trees would lead to another year of increased flood risk for this community.
"The Department fully values the environment and seeks to nurture and develop it as part of our work. Areas where trees and shrubs have to be removed to facilitate the works are to be reinstated with similar species where possible, and where it is not possible to reinstate in the original location, some compensatory planting will be undertaken in suitable areas subject to the agreement of the appropriate landowners. A replacement tree will be planted close to this location and dedicated to the former Lord Mayor Grace Bannister.
"The Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme is an important project to protect the city of Belfast from tidal flooding and the dangers presented by climate change. The Department has hosted a number of public information sessions and carried out over 70 face to face meetings with elected representatives and local people, businesses and other interested groups.
"The Department will continue to keep the public updated as this critical scheme progresses. More information about the scheme is available on the website ( www.infrastructure-ni.gov.uk/articles/belfast-tidal-fas )."
South Belfast resident Colin Shaw has been campaigning to save them since a row of 13 trees were lost around January 10.
After learning the trees will be lost, Mr Shaw said: "Some of the group are incandescent. For my part, DfI did provide a detailed report. Rerouting may result in more trees coming down.
"I think the initial phase and the way the first trees were felled made it difficult to trust. They did some catching up but it's a harsh project with no EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment)."
Read more: No environmental impact assessments on tree felling along Lagan
Read more: Residents 'will work in shifts' as they protest against tree removal in Belfast
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