Residents of this Kildare region concerned by potential falling trees

Kildare County Council (KCC) has been informed that the residents of one particular region are concerned about the potential danger posed if nearby trees were to fall down.

The matter was brought to KCC's attention by Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh at the latest Athy Municipal District meeting earlier today (April 14).

He motioned for KCC to remove the ash trees "on the perimeter of the Strettel Avenue Development in Ballitore".

Cllr Leigh's motion found support on Fianna Fáil Cllr Veralouise Behan.

Labour Party Cllr Mark Leigh. Photo credit: kildarecoco.ie

He specifically warned KCC: "We need to be proactive here, before a tree falls down onto a house, or worse."

Cllr Leigh added: "When it's windy [in this region], it's hard not to sympathise with the residents' concerns."

In response to Cllr Leigh's motion, KCC said via its report at the meeting: "This estate is not taken in charge [by KCC], so any works to the trees would require an assessment of the trees by a qualified arborist and discussion on the outcome with the Parks and Planning Sections regarding works required or their retention."

A representative of KCC who was present at the meeting also told Cllr Leigh that while the land is privately owned, and it is ultimately the landowner's responsibility for the status of the trees, the representative also stressed that KCC's Parks Department are "willing to help" resolve the issue.

READ NEXT: Kildare student travels to Brussels after essay competition win