Kildare tree pruning efforts have resulted in ‘unintentional vandalism’

The pruning of trees in one County Kildare area resulted in accidental vandalism, according to one local councillor.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian O'Loughlin made the comments at the latest Kildare-Newbridge Municipal District meeting, which took place on Wednesday, February 18 last.

The topic came about when Cllr O'Loughlin motioned for Kildare County Council (KCC) to prune the trees along the roadways in Temple Mills Estate, which is located in Rathangan. 

He also said via his motion: "While the trees are still relatively young, the lower hanging branches are in the way of higher jeeps and vans."

The motion was seconded by Social Democrats Cllr Pat Balfe.

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Speaking further on his motion, Cllr O'Loughlin told KCC: "Some of the branches are about 5 metres in diameter."

He also claimed some residents in the region have taken it upon themselves to prune the trees, which has resulted in "unintentional vandalism".

"If the pruning could be done earlier, it would be most welcome," he added.

In response to Cllr O'Loughlin's motion, KCC said via the report it presented at the meeting: "The trees will be pruned as part of the next programme of works in the MD".

According to KCC, this will take place second half of 2026.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Brian O'Loughlin. Photograph credit: kildarecoco.ie

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Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme.