Sinn Féin councillor for Tallaght Central Niamh Whelan has condemned the rising trend in vandalism of newly planted trees across various areas of Tallaght, describing such antisocial activity as “a blight on the community”.
Speaking locally on the issue, Cllr. Whelan stated that “there is clearly an ongoing campaign of destroying trees that have been planted across the area, particularly throughout Old Bawn and surrounding areas. Cllr Whelan continued: “Both during the local election campaign and since having been elected, one of the main issues that I have been contacted about locally is the replacement of trees or the planting of new trees in suitable areas, an issue that I have actively engaged with South Dublin County Council management on. So, to be contacted recently by a resident who informed me of yet another site that has had six trees cut down by a saw, on Firhouse Road West, was as disheartening as it was infuriating.
A great deal of time and money is invested in tree planting and replacement by the council, and the disregard shown by a tiny minority to such initiatives is unacceptable. The majority of the community that I’ve spoken to are in favour of planting trees in suitable areas and we are very fortunate to have the facilities to do so. I really question the motives of the people responsible for denying the community that privilege and I hope that they can be caught and prosecuted.”
