Uproar over proposed removal of Fairview trees

A PROPOSAL by Dublin City Council to remove 62 trees from the pathway alongside Fairview Park has met with widespread local objections.

A campaign opposing the plan is being coordinated by Cllr Nial Ring, in conjunction with fellow Independent councillors Damian O’Farrell and Christy Burke.

The removal of the trees is needed to facilitate the development of a new cycle pathway.

But Cllr Ring said the proposal has met with

“unprecedented opposition

?, with an online petition attracting over 2,000 signatures in just two days. A number of local shops and businesses are also collecting names for the petition.

“When people are made aware of the historical significance of these trees, they cannot believe that Dublin City Council would try to destroy them,

? said Cllr Ring.

“Local historian Hugo McGuinness has done a wonderful job putting together the story of how these trees were planted over 100 years ago as part of a Government led programme, through the Irish Forestry Association, attempting to reforest the country and, more importantly, how these trees ensured the later development of the then

‘Sloblands’ at Fairview into the wonderful public park we have there today.

?

He added:

“The fact that there is already a cycle path going through the park further adds to the questioning of the council’s rationale in proposing the removal of these trees. Everyone is in favour of more cycle paths but not at this price.

?

Cllr Ring said the communities of East Wall, North Strand, Ballybough, Marino, Fairview and Clontarf were united in their opposition to the removal of the trees. He believed that

“people power

? would put a stop to the plan and preserve the amenity of the park and village.

Dublin City Council had not responded to our request for comment at the time of going to press.