A resident contacted RTL via telephone to complain the “atmosphere had been ruined” after the council felled trees along the cycle path linking Senningerberg with Kirchberg. The reason for the clearance was the installation of a new water pipe from the water tower in Senningerberg.
Anyone who has used the path in recent weeks will have noticed significant changes in the forest, which is popular with both walkers and cyclists.
For years, the tarmacked path gives the impression of being surrounded by nature, even though it runs almost parallel to the A1 motorway. The works have now however exposed the route significantly, especially at the height of Senningerberg car park, as a considerable number of trees were cut down and removed on the side facing the motorway.
“I understand the concerns of residents who regret that the path is temporarily losing its charm”, explained Fréd Ternes, mayor of Niederanven.
“The trees had to be felled as a new water pipeline is being installed by [the water management syndicate,] SEBES to supply the reservoir at the airport. SEBES also is the project developer”, the mayor continued.
Ternes justified the chosen location as being “the best available option”. According to the mayor, the pipeline has to pass under the motorway, “and for that reason, the State carried out a designated drilling point beneath it”. Other key supply lines, including electricity, are also being routed there, he added.
According to the mayor, the works were authorised: “SEBES applied for a nature protection permit for this project and is required to compensate ecologically. Some of the trees that were removed were also reaching the end of their lifespan. In the coming years, a number of trees along this heavily used route would have to be felled for safety reasons anyway.”
A deviation under the cycle path was also not possible, Ternes added, “because the path itself is built on an embankment due to a Roman road that runs beneath it”.
Finally, the mayor stated the municipality would look into replanting trees once the works are completed. “Once the pipeline has been installed, we will assess how close to the route new trees can be planted.”
Once again, he stressed that the works were unavoidable. “The water supply for the airport is currently extremely limited. In the event of a major issue, the entire Senningerberg area could be left without water. This is therefore an important and necessary investment in infrastructure.”
