COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

MOTION NO. 4

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

That this Area Committee requests the Chief Executive to bring forward a plan for the reinstatement of semi-mature, native and environmentally appropriate tree planting within Lucan Village Green, noting the recent removal of mature trees. The plan should identify suitable locations for replacement planting in order to restore the character and amenity of the Green and support biodiversity and climate resilience.

REPORT:

The Lucan Village Green scheme has been designed and overseen by the scheme architect DHB Architects and their suitably qualified professional landscape architect. The planting strategy is informed by best practice in landscape design and forms part of an overall transformative and coherent urban design strategy to reflect the progression and enhancement of Lucan as a destination and is consistent with the approved scheme.

The design incorporates a carefully considered mix of tree species, listed below, complemented with riverside and shrub planting that is environmentally appropriate and supports the long-term sustainability of the Village Green.

Furthermore, the establishment and performance of the new planting is included in the contractual requirements of the scheme and will deliver a structured maintenance and aftercare regime, being undertaken by a qualified horticulturalist over a 24-month period following opening of the Village Green. This will ensure successful establishment, ongoing health and replacement of planting where necessary, thereby safeguarding the character, amenity value of Lucan Village Green. On this basis, it is considered that the objectives of project design are already being appropriately addressed through the existing scheme and its associated maintenance arrangements.

Trees and their planting locations:

BETULA PUBESCENS (DOWNY BIRCH) or BETULA UTILIS VAR. JACQUEMONTII (HIMALAYAN BIRCH) – mature height more than 10 metres

• at the South Bridge
• Adjacent to the large amphitheatre
• Adjacent to the small amphitheatre

EUONYMUS EUROPAEUS "RED CASCADE" (SPINDLE TREE) – mature height 3 metres

• At the north end or the wall along Dispensary Lane

ABIES KOREANA (KOREAN FIR) – mature height 12 to 15 metres

• At the south end or the wall along Dispensary Lane

AMELANCHIER CANADENSIS (SNOWY MESPILUS) – mature height 8 to 9 metres

• Adjacent to the bandstand
• Adjacent to the wall along Dispensary Lane
• Adjacent to the wall along Dispensary Lane

The existing sycamore tree at north end of green is retained.