COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE
Monday, December 20, 2021
QUESTION NO.
QUESTION: Councillor K. Mahon
'Can management update re ongoing work in the public realm along Avonbeg Rd and Whitestown Stream where there are tree removals and tree plantings taking place. Can management give an overview of the plan? This is separate from the proposed Avonbeg Cycle Route project?'
REPLY:
The works ongoing at Avonbeg Road and along the Whitestown Stream are part of the N81 Landscape improvement scheme:
Phase 1a of the N81 works are complete and encompass landscape improvement from the western side of the M50 roundabout to the Avonbeg road Junction with the N81.
Phase 1b works are ongoing. This phase of works are taking place from the Avonbeg Junction to east of the Oldbawn junction. Phase 1b works include improvement to landscape via removal of existing median hedge and trees, and replacement with new Oak trees and Beech hedge. This is a continuation of the new planting language for the N81. New Oak trees are being planted in the verges to the north and south of the N81 and the hedging along the route is being upgraded. These works are intended to increase the aesthetic appeal of the area and continue the upgrade of a significant entrance to Tallaght, provide river enhancement via planting and ease of maintenance. Works include the upgrade the pedestrian / cycle link to Avonmore with biodiverse planting and ecological corridor enhancements using native and naturalised planting. Also, the current high energy, inefficient SOX lights are being replaced with low energy LEDs. It is acknowledged that the works are very noticeable in the short term but will provide increased aesthetics and biodiversity of the area over the medium to longer term.
As an update on phase 1b programme:
The contractor (CEL) will have all public lighting under this phase of the N81 improvement scheme completed and commissioned before Christmas. The Oak tree planting in the verges will also be complete before Christmas. Succession planting to the Poplar trees between Whitestown stream and the N81 is to be complete by Christmas. The Contractor will be closed for Christmas on 23rd of December and will recommence works on the 4thof January 2022. Works in the new year will include Oak tree and Beech hedge planting in the median. Works in the new year will also include planting and footpath upgrade from the Pedestrian bridge to Sean Walsh Park. Works on the Avonbeg road, to the west of the pedestrian bridge, are to be carried out under a separate scheme. Works will be coordinated with Avonbeg scheme in the new year.