Doubts remain in housing in Tullamore estate over future of beloved trees
RESIDENTS living in the Tullamore housing estate of Pearse Park, have been told that the council will not remove trees along the bank of the canal in front of their houses.
This follows a campaign by the people of the area to retain the trees and a grassy verge along the canal which many of those living there use as a place of recreation.
There was a large attendance at a meeting held last week in the Town Hall, between the residents and council representatives to discuss the issue.
Michael McGrath who lives in Pearse Park said the council members were surprised by the huge turnout as it wasn't just the residents who attended but others from the surrounding areas.
Mr McGrath says he is not convinced that the council will leave the trees there indefinitely. He believes they will not remove the trees ''for now''. He thinks the council will come back in the future to remove the trees. He says ''it's not just the trees we want to keep it's the grassy area.''
Mr McGrath said the residents will be left with just a short area to stroll or walk with their dogs as the council intend laying a cycle track from the scout's den which is located beside Pearse Park to Molloy's bridge.
Meanwhile, Councillor Sean O'Brien said: ''Pearse Park residents and supporters welcome the news that the Council will not remove the trees along the Canal near Pearse Park but they will continue their campaign on other issues concerning the proposed new urban Greenway.''
Cllr O'Brien said, that a special meeting of Tullamore Municipal District was called last Friday and he briefed the residents on the outcome of this meeting on Monday evening, June 26.
He said:"The Tender for a contractor to undertake works relating to the new Urban Greenway will be advertised within the next two weeks but the contract will exclude the area from Cox's Bridge to the Scouts Den. The Council will look at this area again in the future but whatever works are carried out the trees will not be removed,'' he maintained.
The residents and their supporters can be proud of achieving this outcome,'' outlined Cllr O' Brien.
Outlining the background to the matter, Cllr O'Brien said: "This project was approved by the last Council and it was decided that the proposed Pedestrian Bridge near Lock 28 would not be constructed. This would have given the option to use the existing Cycle Track near Sragh Road and cyclists could have crossed over this bridge if they wished to continue their journey further. No Environmental Impact Analysis was carried out as the Council decided that it was not required. Clearly there was no plan at that stage to remove the trees at Pearse Park" continued Cllr O' Brien.
"A contractor will be appointed to design a pedestrian crossing and traffic control measures at Cox's Bridge.This work will not form part of the tender which will be issued in the coming weeks but it will be undertaken later on. It is essential that public consultation takes place on the design of this junction as it affects residents in Pearse Park, O' Molloy St., Marian Place, Kilbride St., Sragh Road, Clara Road, Clontarf Road and the many motorists and pedestrians who use this bridge on a daily basis.
I have previously sought a Pedestrian Crossing in Kilbride St. and I will continue to pursue this on behalf of the residents. It is vital that the Council continue to liaise with the residents and allay any fears that they have about future developments in the area" concluded Cllr O' Brien