Residents reassured after trees are felled

A SOUTHSIDE councillor has reassured locals about tree removals that have been taking place in some areas recently.

Cllr Sarah Holland (SF) spoke out to allay fears in some neighbourhoods about tree removals.

She said tree felling had become a hot topic recently, with rumours abounding that some county councils were removing healthy trees without consultation

However, Cllr Holland said South Dublin County Council put a lot of research into their tree management policy, which she had launched in 2015.

“Tree pruning, removal and planting requests are one of the top issues for county councillors,” she said. “Councillors have added to the available budget year-on-year in an effort to manage some 60,000 trees we have. 

“The trees have so many benefits for our communities, not least the pleasures of living in leafy suburbs. They also require maintenance. It's important to note that trees are only removed if they are dangerous, diseased or blocking services.

"Rumours and conspiracy theories about trees being removed for insurance reasons are spreading a mild panic among householders, especially following photos of a tree cull in another council area.

“South Dublin tree crews and staff are qualified tree surgeons and never remove healthy trees for the craic. The trees in my own estate were pruned last year, and the ‘baldness’ of the street was shocking at first, but we soon got used to it. The pruning will help the trees reach their full potential."

South Dublin County Council's ‘Living With Trees’ policy plans for the continuity and renewal of tree stock from 2015 – 2020. Many areas such as Rathfarnham and Clondalkin have ageing and mature tree populations where tree maintenance is required in order to sustain the health and viability of these trees into the future.

Cllr Holland added: "Unfortunately, trees will sometimes have to be removed. I will be working with other councillors and staff to ensure that replanting is carried out as soon as is practical, using species suitable for growing in estates."

Southside People recently highlighted local concerns that had been raised by Southside residents that trees had begun to “disappear” from local areas.

A residential group calling themselves ‘Dublin 12 Trees’ highlighted the issue after trees were removed in Walkinstown.

Laura Ní Bhroin, a member of the ‘Dublin 12 Trees’ group said that where “beautiful trees bringing natural life to the area” once stood there was now “utter devastation”.

“There are seven tree stumps where once stood beautiful trees bringing natural life to the area,” she told Southside People.

“Now it is a scene of utter devastation from the position of nature and is appalling to walk by.”

However, a council spokesperson insisted that trees are only removed when necessary as a last resort.