Residents of Ferrybank have raised concerns over the removal of trees on the North Quays site.
The trees located outside the CIE (Bus Éireann) depot were removed yesterday.
Entrance to CIE Bus Depot, Ferrybank.
Recent posts have circulated on local social media groups, with local councillors also voicing their concerns.
In an interview with WLR News, Sinn Fein Councillor Jim Griffin says no prior knowledge was given.
"I made inquiries on behalf of the people of Waterford and Ferrybank with regards to the tree cutting on the site of the North Quays, especially around the CIE depot.
"The answer I got is it is enabling works which had to be carried out in order to get construction [and] heavy traffic into the North Quays for when the work [is being completed]."
Trees prior to being cut, Ferrybank.
Councillor Griffin continued to say, "I was a little bit disappointed as this is something as a councillor I have taken up with both local authorities both Waterford and Kilkenny, and with BAM construction," he said, "They could have communicated the works that were about to happen.
"People over the Bank Holiday weekend saw fencing going up around the mature trees and the hedging along the road.
"We need to start some type of notice board for the North Quays project."
The council obtained a special exemption license to remove the trees as part of the North Quays project according to Councillor Griffin.
He added: "The project is so vast and we are so excited about it, we want it to be a positive step- and keep that community aspect- in Ferrybank and Waterford City.
"We are one of the five largest cities now but we still pride ourselves on community activism.
"Yes for some it might be a few trees being cut, but for others that is a drastic step, and if it had been communicated earlier - and even perhaps carried out a week or a month earlier - before the nesting season started, it would have been most helpful."
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