COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor J. Lahart

"To ask the Manager when Hermitage estate trees will be pruned and as to why, when a commitment was given that they would be done prior to Christmas that this was not done?"

REPLY:

In response to a considerable number of requests for tree works in Hermitage, the Parks Department met with residents of Hermitage estate during 2009 to discuss proposals for tree pruning and removals.  Arising from these discussions, staff of the Parks Department carried out a detailed assessment of the trees in the estate and compiled a proposed list of trees for pruning and removal.  This list was subsequently circulated to the residents for agreement.  A commitment was given that the proposed tree works would be completed prior to Christmas and a contractor was appointed to undertake the works in accordance with this committment. 

However, the completion of the works has been delayed following receipt of correspondence from the residents of Hermitage in response to the proposed list of works as circulated.  The residents requested the inclusion of additional trees and the exclusion of some trees on the proposed list of works.  As a consequence, the Parks Department are arranging to complete a further assessment of the residents requests.  Because the removal of trees can be a contentious issue with some residents opposed to their removal, the Parks Department are endeavouring to achieve the consensus and agreement of the residents with regard to the list of trees to be pruned or removed in advance of commencing works.  The Parks Department will however give priority to trees considered in need of attention in the interest of public safety.

Following further assessment, a final list of works to be carried out on the trees in the estate will be presented as soon as possible to the residents for their agreement. The Parks Department remains committed to completing tree works in Hermitage Estate as part of the current Arboricultural Programme which will be ongoing until March.