Prioritise pruning and cutting back of trees along cycle tracks
By William O'Connor
CALLS have been made to South Dublin County Council to prioritise the pruning and cutting back of trees along cycle tracks in the county.
There is an upsurge with people cycling, running and walking during the pandemic and there are areas in Dublin Mid-West were trees are overhanging cycle tracks seriously impeding cyclists.
Deputy Mark Ward along a path way covered by trees
Deputy Mark Ward (Sinn Fein) said: “Due to the restrictions from Covid-19 there are a lot more people exercising daily within their 2 km radius. I am one of these people who are exercising more and for the most part people are adhering to the social distancing guidelines.
“Peoples mental health is affected right now and exercising outdoors, be it running, walking or cycling is a great way to combat this. It’s much harder for depression to hit a moving target.
“South Dublin County Council has invested in cycle paths over the years and these are a welcome addition to our area. There is further investment in our roads infrastructure badly needed but we need to maintain the current cycle paths we have.
“There is no point investing in cycle paths if they cannot be used. I am from Clondalkin and live in Lucan. My 2km radius has a good cycle route along the Fonthill and Cold Cut Roads but there are areas that are unpassable along this route on a bicycle due to overhanging trees. This also applies to joggers and walkers.
“I first reported this issue to South Dublin County Council in July 2019 after a number of people contacted me. I am disappointed that no action has been taken to date. I have called on South Dublin County Council to prioritize tree cutting along cycle tracks across Dublin Mid-West.
“It is encouraging to see so many people exercising on a regular basis and everything should be done to encourage people to maintain this during and post the Covid-19 restrictions”
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