Residents stumped after trees cut down in estates
By Maurice Garvey
TREES in Clondalkin residential estates which have been severely cut recently have left a number of residents stumped.
A flyer posted through the door of an Oldchurch home in July, said South Dublin County Council were carrying out “essential tree maintenance work.”
Jen Greene, a mother of four in Oldchurch estate, said council workers cut a tree on her road to a three-foot stump.
She has been unable to find out why and says it has led to kids on the road jumping off it as a plaything.
“If they are removing them that’s all well and good, but they should be replaced as soon as possible,” she said.
“I bought my parents’ house 12 years ago, so I’m quite attached to that tree after 36 years of living in the house. There are no overhead wires or cables.
“The stumps are horrible looking and a kid could get hurt climbing and jumping. It’s just a shame.”
Jen said workers on her road told her it was for “health and safety” reasons and that a separate crew would have to come out to cut the stump away.
Trip hazard
“I asked if the stump could be cut lower as the kids were all over them but he said no because then it is a trip hazard. I can request a new tree once the stump is removed.
“There was more men here this morning than played for the Dubs in Croke Park. I asked how health and safety would work if a kid fell off the stump. They are easy to climb on or fall off.
“It could be a year or so before a stump crew remove it. Considering the amount of trees they are cutting down, I won’t hold my breath. I think it’s a ploy to not replace the trees.”
A spokesperson for SDCC said works are being carried out on roads and estates in line with the council’s Tree Management Policy 2015-2020.
“In advance of works being carried out at Oldchurch estate, a full survey of all trees in the estate has been undertaken recently to determine the extent of the requirement for tree maintenance.
“Arising from the survey, any works considered necessary has been scheduled and will be completed in the coming weeks. A copy of the ongoing planned Tree Maintenance Programme for Oldchurch estate is available on the council website.
“When a tree is felled by the council, it is not always possible to remove the stump at the same time. Under these circumstances a short tree stump is left as a temporary measure.
“The stump is usually left at around one metre high so that does not constitute a trip hazard in the intervening period.
“Tree stump removal is undertaken during the winter months between November and February when staff who are engaged in grass cutting operations over the growing season are reassigned to this task.”
