COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 28, 2017

MOTION NO. 24

MOTION: Councillor D. O'Brien

"This Area Committee agrees that the patch of bushes and trees in the middle of the green space in front of the house on Earlsfort Lawn be cut back and the area be made more open."

REPORT:

It is the policy of the Council to protect and promote the conservation of biodiversity outside of designated areas and to ensure that species and habitats are adequately protected. HCL15 Objective 3 in the Heritage, Conservation and Landscapes section of the County Development Plan 2016-2022 states as follows “to protect existing trees, hedgerows, and woodlands which are of amenity or biodiversity value and/or contribute to landscape character and ensure that proper provision is made for their protection and managements in accordance with Living with Trees: South Dublin County Council’s Tree Management Policy 2015-2020.”

An initial inspection of the location showed that some works are required in the vicinity of 12 Earlsfort Lawn where a limb has fallen from a tree. There was significant dumping of rubbish and items identified on site included a child’s scooter, toy car, carpet, BBQ, paint pot, plastic draining board tray, pieces of pallet, bricks, concrete blocks, section of PVC door/window frame, 3 footballs, green waste, soft drink bottles/cans, sweet wrappers. The items identified appear to be of local origin and there was no evidence of anti-social activity taking place.

At the time of inspection the area was being used by children at play with one child in the process of removing a rope swing from a tree.

It is proposed to carry out a cleanup of the hedge and prune the tree opposite No 12. A further inspection of the hedge will be carried out at the time having regard to the Councils policy outlined above, and any cutting back works considered necessary will undertaken accordingly.