COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, May 15, 2013

MOTION NO. 10

MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner

That the Manager present a report on the trees in the Oakwood estate in Clondalkin.  Residents report that the 100 or so sycamore type trees in the estate have become far too big and are causing a lot of problems; they cast huge shade in the estate.  They are lifting paths and damaging walls.  Residents recently did  a survey in the estate and all but four households were in favour of having the trees cut down.  What can be done to address the concerns of residents?  Can the trees be replaced with something that would be more manageable or can they be radically pruned to lessen the problem?

REPORT:

Oakwood Grove Residents Association undertook a survey of the households in the estate in relation to the 48 trees growing in the estate in 2012.  The results of the survey indicated that 35 residents wanted the trees kept and pruned, and 13 residents wanted the tree outside their property removed.  This proposal was forwarded to the Parks Section for consideration.  Due to existing commitments at the time it was not possible to undertake any works in 2012.  The estate was therefore included in the 2013 Arboricultural Programme presented to the members at the Clondalkin ACM in December 2012. 

A tree survey undertaken by the Parks Section in January 2013 revealed that the trees in the estate have been pruned on a number of occasions in the past and therefore the majority of trees do not require any work to be undertaken.  Of the 48 trees inspected, 6 trees were listed for removal and 4 trees were listed for pruning.  This work was carried out in March 2013 (except for one removal which will be carried out in the Autumn).  Details of the survey undertaken by the Residents Association and by the Parks Section are attached to this report for information.  This information was also forwarded to the Residents Association prior to the works occurring.  The Council is not aware of any other surveys in existence requesting the cutting down of all but 4 of the trees in the estate.

It is the intention of the Council to manage the existing trees in the estate and should resources become available to undertake a phased replacement programme over a number of years (3-5yrs).