Sir, It seems only a few years ago that the oak forests of Coolattin Estate in Co Wicklow fell to the chainsaw. A similar situation could now arise in south Co Dublin in the estate once owned by Joe McGrath of Irish Sweepstake fame. The demesne is opposite the Dunnes Stores complex in Cornelscourt.
The plan is to build 159 dwellings in a field around the perimeter of which there are more than 350 oak trees. it would be a disgrace to see the majority of these oak trees suffer the same fate as Coolattin.
The ecology of the site, with its shallow topsoil and granite base, is such that any major disturbance of the drainage or root system is likely to have a devastating result. It is well known that Dun Laoghaire and Rathdown County Council is very proud of the natural heritage in its area. We hope that the council and especially its parks department will watch this development carefully and ensure that this invaluable natural asset is not destroyed. - Yours, etc.,
Brennanstown Road,
Dublin 18.