A PUBLIC meeting should be held to give more information about a flood alleviation scheme in south Belfast which has seen the removal of several mature trees, an SDLP MP has said.
South Belfast MP Claire Hanna has requested that the Rivers Agency holds a public meeting to allow it discuss plans for the scheme and address residents' concerns.
Several mature trees have been cut down along the Stranmillis embankment and more are expected to be removed as part of investigation works for the Belfast Tidal Flood Alleviation Scheme.
A wall is due to be built as part of measures to protect the city from rising tides caused by climate change.
Several residents have expressed anger about the removal of the trees and the loss of natural habitats.
Ms Hanna said the flood scheme was agreed in 2017 during the previous Assembly mandate.
The embankment is popular with walkers, runners and cyclists.
Ms Hanna said there was a "paucity of information" about the project.
She has requested a meeting to allow experts to explain the flood scheme and outline predictions around rising sea levels.
"Climate scientists have told us that the modelling says this is what we need and engineers have said this is the best way to do it," she said.
"We do try to follow the science.
"But there has been a paucity of information for people."
She added: "As yet, people haven't had enough information about what the wall is going to look like (and) about its exact route."
Ms Hanna said the trees were cut down in recent weeks "in order to avoid the nesting season".
"It was a shock to people to see the loss of trees that they have enjoyed for a very long time," she said.
A Department for Infrastructure (DfI) spokesman said work on the flood defences is due to begin in spring.
“Only the trees and shrubs necessary to gain access to execute the works are being removed, with the majority of the site clearance works being targeted now, to avoid the bird nesting season and hence mitigate the potential impact on nesting birds," he said.
The spokesman said the scheme will reduce the risk of flooding to more than 1,500 properties.
He said the removal of some trees and shrubs is "unavoidable".
"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," he said.
