Tree Survey and Works at Malahide Demesne along Back Road to Dublin Road (R107).

An independent tree assessment was carried out on the 20th of October 2021 within Malahide Demesne. This primarily focused on a section of woodland running from the Back Road as far as the Dublin Road. The Visual Tree Assessment (VTA) was carried out on behalf of Fingal County Council.

During this survey 12 trees were highlighted as a concern, nine of which are Beech (Fagus sylvatica), with two Ash (Fraxinus excelsior) and one Sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus,) all are of a mature to late mature age class.

The identified trees have physiological and or structural issues that raise concerns over their viability, present state of health and safety.

Tree Management & Recommendations

In assessing the management requirements for this section of woodland, and for the benefit of the overall tree belt, remedial tree surgery works are considered over complete removal in all feasible situations.

However, the removal of three of the Beech trees and two Ash trees is recommended as an unavoidable priority. This is in the interest of both pedestrians enjoying the park and of road users on the Back Road. With the removal of these five trees & in line with best practice we will leave the main trunk as a 5 - 6-meter monolith and all felled timber will be left on the forest floor for biodiversity.

The remaining trees highlighted in the report will be retained and the required remedial tree pruning works will be carried out in accordance to BS3998 2010. 

Due to the necessity to remove five trees, Fingal County Council have undertaken an independent Bat Survey and its recommendations will be carried out in full. 

Fingal’s Operations Department are committed to planting an additional 400 trees within the Demesne next spring. Quercus robur (Oak) and Fagus sylvatica (Beech) will be planted in line with Fingal’s tree strategy policy (Forest of Fingal).

Planned dates:

These works are planned for Monday 6/12/21- Friday 10/12/21 and unfortunately may cause some minor inconvenience to park users whilst being carried out. Fingal County Council will endeavour to minimise any disturbance to park users and will erect signage along affected routes.