UPROOTING OF BUSHES CAUSES CONTROVERSY

Local residents have reacted angrily to the recent removal of the shrubs and bushes from Sean Moore Park by the Dublin City Council Parks Department.

In a letter to NewsFour, Lorna Kelly Planning Officer of Sandymount and Merrion Residents' Association (SAMRA) rejected claims by the Dublin City Council that the uprooting of the bushes was a necessary move.

'The park has been left wind and rain swept,' she said, 'areas where one might take shelter in the squally showers, which are typical of coastal areas, are gone. The shrubberies which acted as noise and dust absorbers have gone. The family picnicking areas are no more.'

SAMRA members have also claimed that the newly exposed industrial views have devalued some nearby homes by €30,000. Ms Kelly added that the park had only been achieved by the 'single-minded efforts' of the Residents Association.

When contacted by News Four, Norman Hennessy, Chief Gardener in Ringsend Park said that the bushes were removed because that part of the Sean Moore Park had become a gathering place for anti-social behaviour. 'The area was littered with bottles, cans and needles and was a home for rats,' he said. However, SAMRA report that having cleaned out the shrub area they found 'nothing remarkable' there apart from the usual litter.

The clearing of shrubs is part of an on-going plan by the Parks Department to make green areas more open and safe. Mr Hennessy said that he received a number of complaints regarding the behaviour in the park. 'The area has now been sown with grass and in the autumn bulbs will be planted. The elder trees have been left in place because they are a habitat for birds and insects,' he added.

A spokeswoman for the Garda Press Office said anti-social behaviour in parks has become a 'natural feature at the moment, especially at the weekends' but said they couldn't comment on specific areas.

Reacting to the news, local Councillor, Dermot Lacey, said that a 'local parks management committee' should be formed so that such issues could be discussed before any new arrangements were implemented.

Green Party TD John Gormley agreed that greater discussion with residents was essential. 'It seems to be commonplace now that if one person rings up about anti-social behaviour the Council acts without consultation,' he said.

Asked whether the removal of the bushes would have a detrimental effect on local property prices, local estate agent, Mr Bennett of Bennett's Auctioneers on Sandymount Green said this was not the case. 'This new development will have no affect whatsoever on the value of the adjacent houses,' he said.

Nicola McMahon sought the opinion of local residents about the controversial removal of bushes from Sean Moore Park.

'I think it's really sterile looking. Foxes use the bushes as cover so it will affect the local wildlife. I'd prefer to have greenery but there is a problem with the local youths roaring, shouting, drinking and setting fires there. It's a pity because the seats there are facing the sunshine but the lads in groups monopolise them so they're ruling the roost and breaking the seats. The problem is it's not policed properly.'
Gerald Lincoln, Beach Road.

'I hadn't actually noticed the bushes were gone. It probably is safer.'
Brian Bridges, Beach Road.

'The reason they were removed was because they were being used for drinking and as a lavatory. We call them the Barbeque Boys- they go to O'Briens and then spend the entire day drinking over there amongst the bushes.'
Mary Daniel, Beach Road.

'There were a lot of cans and bottles, I can see that there might be a loss of privacy for some people but from my point of view it's nicer.'
Elaine Baker, Londonbridge Rd.

'I find it safer, more open.' Edna Clarke and Olive Kerr, Sandymount. 'hadn't even noticed, although I guess it's better that they're gone.'
Peter Kearney, Ringsend.

'It's definitely safer, there were always youngsters congregating in the bushes, drinking cans and bottles. We wouldn't come in if there were a group of young lads there- it felt unsafe and the police weren't even around there. At least it's much more open now.'
Marie Connolly, Kay Flood and Sarah O'Reilly, Ringsend.

'I think it's better- the cans and stuff were a problem. For night time now it's much more open and safer. It's much clearer.'
Ken Preston and Aisling Caufield, Irishtown.

'I think they did a good job. It was dreadful- they were screaming at night. I like the open aspect- you can see everything clearly. It's a people's park and everyone should be able to walk through it but you can't please everyone.' May Kane, Ringsend.

'I'm still stunned, incensed- they were absolutely lovely shrubberies. The whole landscape is altered now and it affects the noise level too, the bushes absorbed some sound.'
Local resident.

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