Call for Ash tree removal in Kildare village

RESIDENTS of Strettel Avenue in Ballitore have raised concerns over Ash trees on the perimeter of the housing development.

Some of the trees are reported to have Ash Dieback, a fungal disease that can cause trees to lose leaves, rot and eventually fall down.

Residents are concerned for their safety and the safety of their properties as the trees stand on the perimeter of their properties, and some branches have already fallen down.

Athy Labour representative Mark Leigh brought this issue to attention at the Athy Municipal District meeting calling for a removal of the trees.

He said: “Some of the trees have Ash Dieback.

“We need to be proactive here.”

“It’s hard not to be sympathetic to the fears of the residents,” added cllr Leigh.

However, in a report issued by Simon Wallace, acting senior parks and landscape officer, the council noted that the estate has not yet been taken in charge.

As a result, any action on the trees would first require an assessment by a qualified arborist.

Following the assessment, the findings would need to be discussed with both the parks and planning Sections to determine whether the trees should be removed or retained.

Cllr Leigh told the Kildare Nationalist that one resident’s fears came true when a branch from one of the Ash trees snapped off and hit their house during Storm Eowyn.

He said: “According to the council, planning trees should be set back 30 metres away from the property (in line with planning guidelines from The Tree Council of Ireland) but this isn’t the case here and Ash trees with dieback are towering over the houses.”

Residents now await the council’s assessment of the trees to decide the next steps.