COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

To ask the Manager to arrange for the removal of hedging along the Celbridge Road at Kew Park estate i.e. “ the Daisy Patch”  and for the removal of hedging leading to Weston Park Estate from this area. The removal of this hedging will help mitigate localised problems relating to vermin infestation and anti-social behaviour?

REPLY:

The hedge at this location forms a natural boundary between the open space at Kew Park estate, Weston Park estate and the Celbridge Road.  Not only does this natural resource serve a biodiversity function it also acts as a barrier to prevent users of the open space from falling onto the Celbridge Road which is located below the level of the open space.  In accordance with the County Development Plan 2010-2016, it is Council Policy to protect the natural resources of the County and conserve the existing wide range of flora and fauna in the County though the protection of wildlife habitats and wildlife corridors wherever possible.

A recent site inspection of this area indicated that a significant volume of garden waste is being dumped in the hedgerow in the vicinity.  The Parks & Landscape Services Department has requested the Residents Association to encourage its members to refrain from this activity which in turn may assist in reducing the vermin activity that is being experienced.  The Council's Litter Warden for the area will also be contacted to review the dumping problem and recommend actions that might be taken to deal with the issue.  In addition, contact will be made with the Pest Control Section of the Health Board to arrange for bait to be laid to deal with the vermin. Incidents of anti social behaviour should be reported to the Gardaí or alternatively, if the incident arises during working hours, to the local Park Rangers.