Tree Strategy for Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown

Submission by the Dún Laoghaire and Dublin South Green Party

20 August 2010

• The Green Party Dún Laoghaire welcomes the draft Tree Strategy for Dún
Laoghaire-Rathdown. It is important that a comprehensive strategy is put
in place which will be inform all decisions made by the Council regarding
trees in the County. The strategy should cover all trees, from those
located in private gardens to streets to parks.

• Trees are a valuable part of our environment, benefiting biodiversity and

improving quality of life in the County. They are also a crucial element in
our efforts against climate change. Trees absorb carbon, reduce
temperatures and clean our air. Trees also provide a natural protection
against flooding and create a sound barrier to reduce noise pollution.

• The Strategy should explicitly acknowledge the environmental, health and

social benefits of trees as well as their role in mitigating climate change.

• The Council should provide a broad overview of the County’s existing tree
stock in order to protect and improve tree cover. A value should be placed
on this current tree stock. Each tree should be judged on its condition,
height and the number of people who benefit from it. The strategy should
ensure that trees in Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown are managed as a public
asset and that adequate resources are provided to protect, conserve and
promote them.

• As well as recording the number of trees planted, the Council should

quantify the numbers felled to ensure that they are replaced.

• The Council must ensure that local residents are informed and given clarity
on the reasons behind any schemes which involve the removal of trees on
their street.

• A member of Council staff should be present when sub-contractors are

hired to carry our maintenance work to ensure that the work is carried out
as intended and no unnecessary tree removal occurs.

• Green infrastructure should be considered in any development and

existing trees should be protected and integrated into new developments
where possible.

• The Council should embark on an ambitious tree planting programme and

set targets to plant at least four times the number of trees felled between
now and 2015.

• The Council should involve local communities in tree planting projects in

an effort to improve social cohesion. The health and social benefits of
trees should be promoted and advice offered to residents on what species
of trees are most suitable to plant in their gardens.

• The positive impact trees have on health, including stress-related

illnesses, and their role in promoting outdoor recreation should be
considered in any planting scheme by ensuring the surroundings of
hospitals, schools and business districts have adequate tree cover.
 • The Council should carry out a ‘greening’ of town centres through tree
planting programmes. Towns such as Dún Laoghaire would benefit from a
tree-lined boulevard for Marine Road and increased tree cover on George’s
Street. Trees promote walking and can help improve footfall in these
locations.

• Careful consideration should be given to the variety of species planted.

More densely populated areas need trees that can provide shelter and
reduce noise pollution without blocking too much light or causing
structural damage with their roots.

• The Council should promote native, resilient species of trees such as Oak
and Birch. This is particularly important because our native wildlife have
become dependent upon them. Where possible, trees with large canopies
should be used as these broad-leaf varieties provide the best habitat for
local wildlife.

• A programme of planting ‘edible’ trees should be initiated with the planting

of fruit and nut trees for the benefit of both people and wildlife.

• Tree Preservation Orders should be considered for notable trees in the

County such as the Oak tree at the triangle in Old Conna, the Eucalyptus
tree at the corner of Tivoli Road and Patrick Street, and the Scott’s Pine at
the Blue Pool, Monkstown.

• The Green Party would like to see the Council appoint a member of staff
with responsibility for trees to ensure coherent strategy across County is
adhered to and well managed.

Ciarán Cuffe TD
Eamon Ryan TD

20 August 2010