COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

Cathaoirleach's Business

That this Committee recommends the drawing up of a comprehensive programme of tree planting in the Clondalkin Village area.  At present there is a dearth of trees in the Village.  The following locations should be considered:-

1. Main Street.  The paved area outside the Credit Union and in front of the old TSB building could be transformed into a beautiful plaza with the planting of some trees and the addition of some under tree seating.  Also a mature tree could be planted in the spot now occupied by the derelict phone box that is soon to be removed.  Trees in front of the Steering Wheel might detract and distract from the on street trading that so annoys residents.

2. Tower Road.  There is plenty of room to plant trees behind the wall in the car park in front of Tuthills / AIB etc.  This would greatly enhance the Village centre area.  Some of the trees outside the church cottages are dead and need to be replaced.

3. Monastery Road.  Some trees can be planted behind the wall at the monastery shopping centre opp Laurel Park.  Also in the grass verge at the shops at Castle Park opposite historic Tully's Castle.

REPORT:

The Council is very supportive of any proposals aimed at enhancing the presentation of our towns and villages and and an overall tree planting plan for Clondalkin Village is required.  It is agreed that the judicious planting of suitable trees within the central core of Clondalkin Village would significantly enhance the overall presentation of the area. In this regard the Parks Department has in recent years already planted trees within the village along Orchard Lane, outside the Civic Offices, along Tower Road, within the Tesco car-park, at the Castle Shopping Centre and at the entrance to Laurel Park estate.

The locations referred to in the motion are mostly privately owned, so agreement would first have to be reached with the landowners concerned before any plans can be progressed. The areas would have to be checked to see if adequate space is available to accommodate trees, for underground services to ensure that no conflicts arise, traffic sight line issues and funding would also have to be identified for the work.  As a first step it is considered appropriate that the newly formed Tidy Towns Committee would be consulted and a meeting will be arranged shortly for this purpose.