The Libertrees – Trees facing the axe as part of ongoing urban development initiatives 

In recent weeks, locals have witnessed the removal of many trees in different parts of Dublin 8 including Cork Street, Rialto Bridge and Weaver Square.

The tree removal by developers has spurred a discussion on social media from residents in the area, with many questioning the need for such removals.

The removal of these trees prompts a closer examination of the importance of greenery in our urban landscape.

“Two trees on Cork Street were removed as part of a development there and two replacement trees are proposed to be planted as well as the construction of purpose-built tree pits,” a spokesperson for Dublin City Council said.

Dublin City Council (DCC) Parks Service said a number of streets in the southwest inner city will see planned ‘tree works’ in coming weeks. Tree removals are proposed following inspection by the tree officers, the service said. The proposals include the removal of 16 damaged trees at Clarkes’ Terrace and Herberton Street.  

A spokesperson for DCC said, “There are 16 trees to be removed at Clarkes Terrace, Rialto before the end of year as they were planted by the developer too close to the apartment building. The trees were also damaged in recent storms.

“We will replant into some of the tree pits with smaller suitable trees but some of the tree pits are just too close to the building to plant trees.” 

DCC said that “35 trees have been planted at the new linear park at St James’ Walk over the last two years”.

Local residents are expressing concerns about the changing landscape, highlighting the need for a transparent dialogue between DCC and the local community. Some residents have pointed out that while replacement trees are promised, they are often slow to be replanted.

On Brown Street, trees were removed over six years ago, and none were ever replanted, locals say. The instance on Church Street prioritised the development that is happening over preserving healthy trees, much to the dissatisfaction of some residents. It is the developer’s responsibility to replace the trees, so it remains to be seen when this will take place.  

Back in 2015, DCC introduced its The Liberties: Greening Strategy, which highlighted the low levels of green space in the area. At this time, the number, a tiny 0.68sqm per person, was “in stark contrast to an average of 49 sqm/person for DCC as a whole or 15sqm per person for the southeast quadrant of the Canal Ring”.  

Since then, green space per person in the Liberties has grown steadily from 0.68sqm in 2015 to 1.68sqm now, said DCC’s parks department.

Greenery in an area adds to the value of property and is linked to the prosperity of the area. The UCD Geography Department conducted a study that mapped the distribution of trees in Dublin. This data shows that in the more prosperous suburbs to the North and South of the city, there is lots of tree cover. The neighbourhoods of highest tree density are in Donnybrook and Clontarf near the coast and around Phoenix Park. By comparison, in city centre areas and socially disadvantaged areas, there are far fewer trees. The Liberties is mostly in the ‘Low’ category.  

Trees serve an important role in urban areas. Sustainability Education Lead at TU Dublin Dr Ken Boyle said, “Trees quieten the environment, they provide shelter. In the summer they help to cool city areas down. This is particularly important now as we move into summers where we’ve got higher temperatures and urban heat islands. Climate change means that trees in urban areas that become very important.” Urban heat islands occurs when all the concrete in a city soaks up the heat and holds on to it, leaving it hotter than the surrounding areas.  

“Trees quieten the environment, they provide shelter. In the summer they help to cool city areas down. This is particularly important now as we move into summers where we’ve got higher temperatures and urban heat islands. Climate change means that trees in urban areas that become very important.”

Dr Ken Boyle, Sustainability Education Lead at TU Dublin

The presence of greenery in urban areas can affect the mental health of residents. Dr Boyle said. “They contribute to people’s sense of wellbeing, the feeling of being connected to and surrounded by nature is important for people. Sometimes even just the colour green is a calming colour. It gives a kind of a structure to the urban environment that is nature based.  

“Trees can reduce the noise of traffic in an urban setting also. This is important because when we live a city, the constant noise of traffic is not good for your health or your mental health.” 

While the skyline may change, it is essential to ensure that Dublin’s greenery remains intact. The ongoing discussion about tree removals encourages residents to be stewards of their environment, advocating for a city where progress and sustainability go hand in hand – planting the seeds for a greener Dublin.