Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council has closed a public consultation on the future of an Irish yew tree at Lagan Valley Island civic centre. The tree marks Lisburn's 400th anniversary. Prince Andrew planted it in 2009.

Council chief executive David Burns sent a letter to all councillors in March asking for suggestions by 10 April on recognizing the tree's significance. A council spokesperson confirmed that all received suggestions on the tree, plaque and mount will be considered. Decisions or reports will go to councillors soon.

The original plaque read 'planted by HRH Prince Andrew, Duke of York' to celebrate the anniversary. Council members removed the plaque and mount due to the prince's links to Jeffrey Epstein.

SDLP councillor Pat Catney emailed all elected members suggesting the plaque remain to preserve historical record. He later clarified his view. An SDLP spokesperson stated the party believes the plaque should be permanently removed. The party called tributes to Prince Andrew inappropriate since the Epstein scandal.

An Alliance spokesperson said the party favors a new plaque noting Lisburn's 400th anniversary without reference to the planter.

Public suggestions included keeping the tree without a plaque. Others called for chopping down the tree, throwing it on a bonfire or naming it after an Epstein victim.

Prince Andrew gave up titles including Duke of York last year over accusations linking him to Epstein. King Charles stripped him of remaining titles. The prince denies all allegations of wrongdoing.