Hedge fires prompt push for action from council
By Brendan Grehan
THERE have been five hedge fires in Lucan recently and South Dublin County Council are to look into removing hedges to combat anti-social behaviour.
It is not clear if the fires were man-made or were caused by the hot weather with glass setting off the flames.
Bushes on fire in Lucan
Local councillor Liona O’Toole is spearheading a campaign to have South Dublin County Council look at the issue of the fires and the other issue of anti-social behaviour.
She told The Echo: “I have spoken to residents and have asked them for their feedback. Following my requests on behalf of the residents from Moyglass and Dalriada estates, the Council carried out work on the embankment hedge. I have been raising this issue since last year.”
She added: “This area has been neglected for some time and since my intervention we have managed to make progress as the pathway has been cleared, debris etc scraped back to reveal the full width of the path, and the lane cleared up.
“The council management has committed to putting in these measures in the interim to reduce the ongoing burning of hedges and trees and grass and other anti-social behaviour.”
Cllr O’Toole said that she has received positive feedback from residents throughout Lucan with a view to cutting back hedges to combat anti-social behaviour.
She said: “There are two problems, the issue of fires and the secondary issue of people using the protection of the hedge to engage in anti-social behaviour.
“Dublin Fire brigade have assisted in the fire issues and I spoke with them seeking advice on the fires and asked for a report on the number of call outs to date.”
Cllr O’Toole said that when the summer is over and people are back from holidays, the residents will be consulted again with a view to putting a long-term plan of action in place.
