LOCALS ON DUBLIN’S northside have rallied in an attempt to force Dublin City Council (DCC) to abandon plans to fell trees in Fairview Park.
Some of the mature trees along the park’s main footpath are under threat as authorities want to remove them to make way for a cycle path through the park.
That plan has led to the creation of a petition which has been signed by more than 2,500 people.
The council says that the decision to cut some of the trees came because of concerns over their scope to grow even further.
“The arborist study carried out as part of the project noted that the trees growing closest to the carriageway are restricted in terms of space for crown development and stem growth,” DCC said in a statement.
These trees are mostly situated extremely close to the edge of the pavement and many are struggling to cope with competition for light from their higher neighbours.
“It is this row of struggling trees that are proposed to be replaced with trees planted under improved soil conditions. The row of larger trees is being retained. The new row of trees will comprise of extra heavy trees and semi-mature trees with height at planting ranging from 4 to 6 metres.”
Locals, however, want the trees saved. The petition states:
“The very essence and character of Fairview is under threat and we need to protect it. We need to save these trees.”
Local Green Party representative Donna Cooney, said:
“DCC needs to listen to local residents, and sort out this situation. Over 80% of the submissions received by the council during their consultation objected to the cutting down of the trees.
“The Dublin Central area committee voted to send the plan back to the drawing board, whereas the Dublin North Central committee voted in favour at their July meeting.”
Dublin City councillor Nial Ring says the community is united on the issue.
“The communities of East Wall, North Strand, Ballybough, Marino, Fairview and Clontarf are at one on this – no removal of trees.”
The trees were planted on 31 October 1908 by the the Irish Forestry Society and named after the six City Boroughs of Dublin, Cork, Limerick, Derry, Belfast and Waterford. As the trees were not marked, it is not possible to establish which tree was named after which borough.
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