Once again controversy arises over the proposed removal of the remainder of the lovely large trees in O’Connell Street, known as the London Planes. Would you believe it, there is no such tree, its correct name is platanus acerifolia.

Many years ago in London many trees were tried out for street planting, but none stood the terrible conditions as well as the Plane Tree. It coped well with tar, fog, smoke, asphalt, concrete, flagstones, traffic etc., hence its nickname the London Plane.

This tree is believed to be a hybrid and first appeared around 1672 in Oxford. Closer to home there are fine examples of this tree in Earlsfort Terrace, the North and South Circular Roads and also some fine specimens in Merrion Square Park and Pearse Square.

Platanus Acerifolia can grow to a height of 90ft. It has a large circumference and you will notice the outline of the tree is not regular. The wood is tough and hard and is often used by cabinet makers. The leaves are gathered in heavy masses with broad spaces between.
All this is due to the freedom of the crooked arms of the tree, which are well distributed.

The leaves are smooth and firm and can get quickly covered with grime, but when it rains the rain washes them clean. The long bark can go blackish in colour.

The rigid outer layer of the bark is thrown off by expansion of the soft bark underneath and if you look closely you will notice large and small flakes which leave a lovely smooth yellow patch, which remains free from pollution.

This is a majestic tree with a long life and is a much-loved feature in Dublin’s main street. The jury is still out on the regeneration and development of O’Connell Street. The trees planted will never reach the height of the existing ones.

Have you noticed how the lovely centre walkway is now a parking bay for motorcycles and bicycles? These are even tied to the newly-planted trees! The bird life is affected and even the Christmas lights, which festooned the large trees, are gone. The City Council should hasten slowly and learn from the best school of all– the school of experience, before it obliterates forever the O’Connell Street of yesteryear.

Many of us Dubliners as we progress along life’s highway cast our minds back to O’Connell Street with Nelson’s Pillar and its beautiful trees– always the trees. So who will have the final say? I hope our elected Councillors take heed and act before it is too late.
In phase two of the plan for the regeneration of O’Connell Street it is certainly not necessary to remove the ten beautiful specimens of the London Plane Tree.