Council ‘extremely disappointed’ by vandalism and removal of trees

SOUTH Dublin County Council stated that it is “extremely disappointed” by the vandalism and removal of 11 newly-planted trees in Dodder Valley Park in Tallaght.

At Monday’s monthly council meeting, the council provided information about intentional damage to trees in the county over the last 12 months, in response to a question from Cllr Teresa Costello (FF).

The highest occurrence was in Dodder Valley Park, where the council noted that 11 newly-planted trees had been vandalised and removed.

When contacted by The Echo, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council confirmed that the incident occurred last April and there are plans to replant trees later this year.

“SDCC’s attention was brought to the issue of damaged and vandalised trees in Dodder Valley Park following the weekend of the 22/23 April,” they stated.

“Once flagged, the council moved to assess the damage and remove compromised specimens.

“Considering the time of year, it was not feasible to conduct replacement planting.

“New tree planting takes place between October and March each year within the bare root planting season, subject to weather conditions.

“Instead, these trees have been listed for replacement planting upon recommencement of the tree planting season in October/November of this year.

“SDCC are extremely disappointed about the damage and vandalism experienced which is being inflicted by a small minority of park users.”

Other incidents of trees being interfered with occurred in Glenvara Park and Woodstown Walk, where four and three trees respectively were illegally pruned.

Nine trees were vandalised and removed from Esker in Lucan, four were vandalised and removed in Cherrywood Drive in Clondalkin, and four trees were also removed from Sylvan Drive in Kingswood.

Single instances of illegally felled trees occurred in Killakee Way in Firhouse, Abbeydale Rise in Lucan, Lindisfarne Lawns in Clondalkin, and Yellow Meadows Vale in Clondalkin.

People who notice any vandalism of trees in their area can contact South Dublin County Council on 01 414 9000 or their local garda station.

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