Local Fine Gael Councillor for Glencullen – Sandyford Neale Richmond has questioned the logic of m50 Concessions following the careless removal and destruction of healthy trees by road workers along the m50 slip road to the rear of College Park, Ballinteer, in order to facilitate drainage workers.

“It is a disgrace that the contractor has pulled up and essentially destroyed so many trees without giving any thought to the long term costs.

“These trees were only planted three years ago and to up root them now is akin to taking a newborn baby out of an incubator and leaving them beside the road.

“Although a minor consultation was held with local residents, it seems no thought was put into the economic cost or horticultural impact of uprooting the tress and dumping them by the side of the road.

“Each tree costs €300 and to supply and plant a new set of trees would cost another €500 in landscaping charges. It may have been easier for the contractor to uproot and dump the trees to be replaced at a later date but it makes no economic sense when they could have been lifted and stored without killing them off!

“At this stage it is vital that the contractors complete the work as quickly as possible before putting in new saplings. These trees are an essential part of the screen planting which blocks out the noise from the m50 from disturbing the local residents of College Park.”

Local Fine Gael Councillor for Glencullen – Sandyford Neale Richmodn has welcomed the news that Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council are ready to go to Public Consultation with the new Samuel Beckett Civic Campus in Ballyogan.

“This is a much needed boost for an area desperately short of public amenities, it is vital now that the Council move through the public consultation and tender processes as quickly as possible so as to allow work to get started on this quickly.”

“The cost of this venture is estimated at €37 million which is a bargain compared to previous estimates but such an affordable quote must be secured as soon as possible. A question mark remains over funding which is due from development levies and grants but the first obstacles must be cleared before this can be addressed. After that the Council estimates the construction period will be just two years.”

“The plans for the new facility are top class and will be a much needed boost to both the immediate area and the wider Glencullen – Sandyford Ward which is in much need of comprehensive recreational facilities.”

“The new campus will see the construction of a swimming pool, artificial pitches and tennis courts, studios, a library and three grass pitches.”