COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, March 15, 2023

QUESTION NO.5

QUESTION: Councillor William Joseph Carey

To ask the Chief Executive for a detailed explanation for the removal of the large mature Monterey Cypress Tree in Corkagh park. To explain if the tree was diseased and to what extent this had taken hold in the tree, and also, to indicate whether the council will flag the removal of individual mature trees to this committee for consideration in the future?

REPLY:

The Part 8 Planning procedure for the Proposed Enhancements and Upgrades at Corkagh Park was advertised for public consultation in 2021 and passed by the Council in February 2022. As part of this work a tree report was carried out on the trees within the site constraints. 

According to this report the large Monterey Cypress tree near the depot building was found to be suffering from a fungal infection called Cypress Canker. This disease was beginning to cause die-back in some of its larger limbs, thus creating a risk to park users. The area beneath the tree is busy with the public, so it was taken down to remove the serious hazard of falling limbs, particularly as there would be increased use of this are as a result of the Corkagh Park upgrade proposals.

It is not feasible to flag the removal of individual trees to this committee due to the scale of tree work carried out by South Dublin County Council, however the Council wishes to ensure that its tree resource is managed in a way that reflects good practice, minimises risks to people and property; and protects the health and vitality of its tree resource. The Council's policy with regard to tree management is outlined in its tree management policy 'Living with Trees'.

A concerted effort is made to mitigate for the loss of any trees where possible. In this case it is planned to plant 93 trees in various locations in the park. This tree selection will be made up of various native Irish species, due to the importance of planting native trees to enhance biodiversity in our parks.