COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 10, 2012

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor A.M. Dermody

"That the Manager provide with the aid of a report an up date on the alleged arson at property at Idrone Park. It appears that the home of an elderly lady caught fire and was badly destroyed when oversized trees and shrubs adjacent to the house were set alight by vandals and in turn this fire spread to the house.  The family are now seeking the removal with immediate effect of those trees and shrubs.  It appears the elderly lady is currently living away from the house while the work to her home is being completed, she is due to return to her home and is understandably anxious that there is not a repeat of this tragedy.  It has been requested that the oversized trees (currently approx 50’/60’), be severely restricted or removed altogether. These trees are overhanging the property including the garden, roof & chimney, the trees are also blocking significant light. The falling leaves/sap from the trees has meant that owner’s driveway (which has a high gradient) becomes very mossy, extremely slippy & very dangerous, it poses a serious health and safety issue.  Please provide timeline for the completion of these works.  The Council is being asked to act with all expediency given the age of the home owner concerned and other neighbours in this area."

REPORT:

The issue referred to has been investigated with the family members concerned and it was agreed that 7 trees on the Council side of the property will be removed by a contractor employed by the Council and the one on the family side will also be removed at the same time (at the owner’s expense).  It is also intended to plant a hedge on the boundary in the Autumn and with the agreement of the family members.

The fire referred to was apparently caused by the setting off of fireworks.