Residents not consulted over removal of trees

THE removal of three mature trees in the Oaks development in Belgard Heights, Tallaght, last week has left a local resident questioning why the trees were removed and residents weren’t consulted.

The three trees were part of a wider collection of trees that line the Oaks, and the first sign that work was being carried out on them was when the main branches were cut back before Christmas.

However, last week the trees were almost entirely removed, with just the stumps being left in place to the dismay of residents.

A resident who contacted The Echo and asked to remain anonymous said: “There was no communication with anyone in the area about this.

“I spoke to some of my neighbours, and they don’t know why the trees were taken down.

“I thought it was a bit odd that the trees were just chopped down, but what’s done is done, but I just feel it’s left a big eyesore now.

“They just came in and chopped them down with no consultation and left big stumps.

“The fact that the trees were chopped down like that…it’s not the way it should be done.”

A spokesperson for South Dublin County Council didn’t answer The Echo’s question about residents being consulted but did answer our question about the rationale behind the removal of the trees.

“Following a survey of the trees, SDCC removed them as they were dying/dead. We will be replanting at a future date,” they stated.