COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

south dublin county council crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor R. Dowds

To ask the Manager to arrange that the trees along the side wall of 1 Oak Way, Clondalkin either be severely pruned or removed?

REPLY:

The Arboricultural Works Programme for 2010/2011 is currently under preparation and will be presented to the Elected Members following the adoption of the 2011 Estimates.

In preparing the 2009/2010 Arboricultural Programme, priority was given to tree pruning and removal on an estate by estate basis rather than on an individual tree basis.  While this approach has proved to be efficient and effective in making the best use of the available resources, it did mean that some areas had to be prioritised over others.  It is intended to use the same approach again this year.

It should be noted that the list of estates being considered for inclusion in the 2010/2011 programme is large and it will not be possible to include every estate.  The programme of works to be undertaken will be as extensive as the Council's resources and financial capacity will permit in the current economic climate. It is therefore intended to prioritise the work on an estate by estate basis, based on tree management principles and good arboricultural practice.  Priority will be given to trees where works are required as a matter of urgency in the interests of public safety.

On a number of occasions in recent years the Park's Department has carried out extensive works to the trees situated on the roadside margin adjacent to no. 1 Oak Way, Clondalkin. The trees have  been pruned back to reduce overshadowing of the adjoining property and individual trees have also recently been removed at the request of the nearby householder.  This line of trees is an important amenity feature in this area and the scope for further pruning and removal works at this location is therefore, very limited. The situation will however be kept under review and any further works requested will be considered in consultation with local residents in the area.