12 birch trees planted as part of new estate are vandalised
By Mary Dennehy
THOSE responsible for breaking 12 birch trees in a Tallaght greenspace to fuel a bonfire have been described as being “devoid of any empathy” for the local environment.
Last Thursday, January 9, this is the scene that faced Dodder Action volunteers as they cycled along the Whitestown Stream as it flows through Killinarden.
The trees vandalised in Killinarden
As the pictures show, 12 birch trees, planted as part of a new housing estate in Killinarden, were snapped and then thrown onto a nearby bonfire.
Tallaght resident and Dodder Action member Wladek Gaj was cycling along the stream with another volunteer when they came across the environmental vandalism.
“By their actions, [those responsible] are disconnected and devoid of any empathy for the natural world”, Wladek said.
“It doesn’t bode well for communities, under siege and in fear of persons who have free reign.”
When contacted by The Echo, South Dublin County Council confirmed that it is aware of the vandalised trees.
The trees placed on top of a bonfire
Teresa Walsh, Director of Environment, Water and Climate Change, said: “The council has been made aware of the vandalised trees and the matter is under investigation.
“The 12 trees were planted as part of the new housing development at Killinarden.
“The trees were newly planted birch trees.”
Ms Walsh added: “The council will arrange to have new trees planted during Tree Week from March 21 and March 27, and will engage the involvement of the local school and community.”
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