Re. Ballymun Plaza / Cearnóg an tSeachtar Laoch Consultation

Dear Mr. Moore,

I welcome the proposal to upgrade the Ballymun civic plaza.

I note that the tree planting scheme includes Paperbark Maples, White/West Himalayan Birches, what appears to be London Planes (I assume Platanus Aceriflioa is a misspelling of Platanus Acerifolia) and Wild Cherries.

I request that the planting scheme incorporate more trees that are native to Ireland, and that you include both edible nut and fruit trees. I note that Irish Seed Savers (https://irishseedsavers.ie/product-category/irish-heritage-trees/) have over 180+ varieties of Irish heritage apple trees in their orchards, and it would be good to include some of these as they are quite rare. It may also be appropriate to include Irish hazelnut trees.

I note that historically there has been resistance to fruit/nut planting from the City Council on residential streets, but I believe a park setting would be appropriate for such trees. So many children have never tasted nuts or trees directly from a tree, and it would be a great step forward if they could be included.

I also suggest that you consider the provision of a small ‘micro-playground’ similar to that provided just north of the Luas tracks in Smithfield Square, Dublin 7, and perhaps include a tea/coffee kiosk with a toilet available to the general public during opening hours.

Sincerely,

Ciarán Cuffe

Ciarán CUFFE, MEP for Dublin

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A link to the full submission can be found here.