Semi-mature trees snapped in half along new N81 Cycle Scheme

A NUMBER of semi-mature trees planted as part of the N81 Cycle Scheme were snapped in half and set on fire last week.

Planted in May of this year, two deciduous and one coniferous tree were vandalised along the new N81 Cycle Scheme, as it runs towards the Blessington Road-end of the route.

In a comment to The Echo, a spokesperson for South Dublin County Council said: “These trees were set on fire and two of them were broken in half.

“The three trees are dead and the plan at the moment is to replace them in autumn, provided they won’t fall victim to vandalism.”

The three trees vandalised were among a number of trees planted as part of the N81 Fortunestown to Killinarden Cycle Scheme.

The scheme includes road safety, cycle infrastructure and landscaping improvements along 600m of the N81 between the Fortunestown Road and Killinarden Road junctions.

Works include construction of new, off-road, two-way cycle track, footpaths through open green spaces and pedestrian and cyclist safety improvement works at both junctions.

Provision of new lighting, footpath improvements work, landscaping and signage are also included in plans.

The council will examine the recent incident of vandalism and assess where to replant three new trees.