UPDATE - Griffith Avenue - DCC to commence work on the removal of a number of trees on safety grounds on 9th August, 2021
UPDATE: Monday October 18th 2021
All Hallows Area Association has followed up with Dublin City Council regarding the plans for replacing the trees that were felled in August 2021 following the tree survey findings that the trees were diseased and unsafe. Please see the update from Dublin City Council by clicking here.
UPDATE: Saturday August 14th 2021
The Irish Times published the following article on the felling of trees on Griffith Avenue which references comments from our Chairperson, Catherine Hazlett which we encourage our members to read.
More than 20 trees felled on Griffith Avenue deemed ‘public safety hazard’
UPDATE: Tuesday August 10th 2021 - 8pm
The work on the removal of the unsafe trees was temporarily halted yesterday on the request of
Councillor Deirdre Heney. She has since been advised that the Parks Superintendent has contacted the Griffith Avenue residents directly affected, to explain the reasons for the removal of the trees outside their homes and while residents are sorry to see the trees go, they now understand the reasons why they are to be removed. Councillor Heney has been advised that the work to remove the trees will now resume.
Councillor Heney has provided her most recent correspondence with the Council to AHAA for
residents’ information (below in italics).
AHAA will follow up with Dublin City Ccouncil regarding the replanting programme, the involvement of residents in it and the plan for the future care and maintenance of the trees on Griffith Avenue.
Dear Councillor Heney
Residents affected by tree felling on Griffith Avenue located in North Central Area ( NCA) were contacted by Parks Superintendent NCA this morning, a detailed explanation of the finding of the arborist report on each tree to be felled was provided by Fergus, while disappointed that the tree`s had to be removed they acknowledge that the condition of each tree was very poor and had to be felled. Further discussions will take place with residents on replacement of trees on Griffith avenue in the coming months.
In relation to 124 Griffith avenue and the tree to be felled at this location, Fergus clarified the exact location of the tree with the residents and they are aware that this tree is in poor condition and needs to be felled.
This afternoon residents on Griffith Ave located in North West Area are been contacted by Fergus to provide detailed information on the condition of trees to be felled.
The trees are exhibiting decays, fungal infections and cavities and really cannot be allowed to remain on this busy boulevard with schools and cycle lanes etc. The work is being scheduled now in August well in advance of any autumn/winter storms and to avoid the inevitable traffic disruption that would occur if this work was postponed until September when schools reopen therefore it is not possible to delay the removal of the trees.
I agree that information to residents and the elected members should have commenced sooner than it did and I will try to ensure this is not repeated.
UPDATE: Monday August 9th 2021 - 6pm
Councillor Deirdre Heney has informed us that the council have agreed to defer further felling for a few days so that residents can be informed of the tree care programme.
UPDATE: Monday August 9th 2021 - 1pm
This morning we have received additional information from Councillor Deirdre Heney in response to her enquires to the Dublin City Council Parks Department on this topic. We have pasted the correspondence as it was received below. We have attached the detailed Arboricultural Inventory and Assessment report which provides specifics about recommendations on which trees need which action and when. You can download the report by clicking here. We will continue to seek further information in relation to these plans and will update our members via our website and social channels.
Download: Arboricultural Inventory and Assessment report
As you are aware just over 1,000 trees along the length of the avenue were surveyed earlier this year by a consulting arboriculturist. Of the 1,000 trees surveyed only 24 were identified in such poor condition that the recommendation is that they be replaced and that the work be scheduled before the annual autumn/winter storms and wind events. This is generally interpreted to mean Oct/Nov but we have had weather warnings as early as late August such as storm Ellen last year. As can be seen on the attached these trees are exhibiting decays, fungal infections and cavities and really cannot be allowed to remain on this busy boulevard with schools and cycle lanes etc. The work is being scheduled now in August well in advance of any autumn/winter storms and to avoid the inevitable traffic disruption that would occur if this work was postponed until September when schools reopen.
Once the trees have been removed and the stumps ground out a follow up inspection will assess the suitability of each planting location for replacement this coming planting season. As the majority of these trees are growing in generous verges it is not foreseen that there should be any delay in scheduling replanting. Replacements will predominately London Plane trees to preserve the integrity of the boulevard.
ORIGINAL POST: Sunday, August 8th 2021
Councillor Deirdre Heney has advised AHAA that she has been informed that work is to start tomorrow, 9th August, on the removal of 24 trees along Griffith Avenue.
The trees are being removed because they pose significant health and safety risks. The removal of the trees, follows the results of the Tree Survey of Griffith Avenue, undertaken by DCC in recent months. The report of the Tree Survey, which was provided to Councillor Heney gives details of the 24 trees along the full stretch of Griffith Avenue and the reasons why they need to be removed. The report states that Parks, Biodiversity and Landscape Services will undertake replanting in the same locations in the next planting season.
AHAA will follow up with DCC about their plans for the replacement of the trees and for a comprehensive tree care programme for the future of our wonderful tree lined Avenue.