The atmospheric stretch of road known as the Dark Hedges, outside Ballymoney in Co Antrim, was always a noted tourist attraction and has become internationally celebrated since it featured in the hugely successful Game of Thrones television drama.
However, two centuries of Irish weather has already resulted in the loss of almost half of the original 150 intertwined beech trees, and there are fears that the environmental impact of increasingly heavy traffic could have further negative consequences.
Plans to ensure that vehicles park nearby and only pedestrians can access the avenue are already under detailed consideration by the authorities and deserve to be implemented without further delay.
It would be bitterly disappointing if the unique and visually stunning location was reduced to a shadow of its former glory just at its fame spreads around the world.
