Residents hopeful that walnut tree with a ‘history’ is saved
WATCH:
By Mary Dennehy
LOCALS are hopeful that the walnut tree on a site in Balrothery earmarked for development has survived felling, as contractors move on-site to build a new housing estate.
A number of trees on site have been felled in recent weeks to pave the way for a new estate at lands bounding Tallaght Road, Castletymon Road and Balrothery Estate.
The walnut tree at the Balrothery site.
When contacted by The Echo about the number of trees being removed as per planning permission, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “We have checked the grant of permission by An Bord Pleanála and it appears that all existing trees are to be removed from the site.
“The tree report submitted to An Bord Pleanála gives details of 20 trees proposed for removal.
“A landscape plan also submitted as part of the planning permission allows for new tree-planting within the site.”
While a number of trees have been given the chop, the walnut tree remains standing – complete with a ‘please save this walnut tree’ sign.
Independent councillor Mick Duff told The Echo: “It is my understanding that they are keeping the walnut tree.
“The builders are holding onto it at the moment, and hopefully I’m not proven wrong.
“There is a lot of history attached to the tree, and a lot of local interest in keeping it.
“It is the wishes of the entire community that this walnut tree is preserved.
“Hopefully it can become a feature of the housing estate.”
Some 68 trees within the area were included in a tree survey submitted to ABP by the applicant, with the most prominent species on the site being ash and sycamore.
The Echo was unable to touch base with the developer prior to going to print.
