Laois County Council are seeking quotations to trim trees in Rathdowney and Errill, following complaints over excessive bird droppings on cars.

The issue was previously raised with the Council in April.

Fine Gael Cllr John King tabled a motion that the Council undertake these works, now that nesting season has come to a close.

"I don't mind supporting these works through my discretionary funding. There is a serious problem in Errill as you know, it came up last winter with all the crows destroying the cars," Cllr King said.

"Now that they have works done in Rathdowney, and the roads have been resurfaced and the trees are quite large, the trees are in very poor condition," he said.

"If this job is done during the winter months, they would be pruned properly. We have a local man in Rathdowney that does very good work, he did work on the trees at the school, maybe you would have seen it?" Cllr King asked the Council.

"We might not have to go so far to get someone to do it, and he would have insurance and everything. I want support on this, i can get quotations. Is it time enough doing this between now and Christmas?" he questioned.

Mr Rory O'Callaghan, Senior Executive Engineer with Laois County Council confirmed that quotations for the tree pruning works will be sought by the Area Office, with works hoped to be undertaken before Christmas.

"We could get the trees cut, and we don't have to get any surveys done before the trees can be cut, surveys are shocking, they go on forever and they cost a fortune. You give me the go ahead to get quotations on the necessary works, and I don't mind supporting that funding wise," Cllr King said.

Fianna Fáil Cllr Paddy Bracken supported Cllr King's motion, and questioned whether the provider of a service to the Council must be within the framework.

Mr O'Callaghan confirmed that works under €25,000 can be undertaken either by a framework or direct invitation.

"I have issues with trees in Mountmellick, particularly in Ashgrove and nothing was ever done," Cllr Bracken said.

"Our horticulturalist looked at it and the trees are not alone a danger, but they are rooting up the footpath, and we still have no progress on that, and it was early in the year we had a survey to look at that," he said.

Mr O'Callaghan replied that the horticulturalist was to return with a plan for dealing with the mentioned trees.

"There's a big lot of work in that, it's not just trimming, there are trees that need to be removed, the paths are being lifted and it's a trip hazard. Where's the funding for that? I'm only asking you as our director," Cllr Bracken questioned.

"It will have to come from the Council's own resources," Mr O'Callaghan confirmed.

"I am hoping we can do all this work this side of Christmas, they're deadly and that's the truth, and there are a few more around the town as well," Cllr Bracken replied.

"I support Cllr King, and I want to highlight this issue as well because it needs to be addressed. If someone gets a bad fall, that's the problem," Cllr Bracken finished.

Cllr King welcomed Cllr Bracken's support.

"The surveys take a year or two, so I'm happy to say that I have a man who might be able to do it, so we can get the job done," Cllr King finished.

Mr O'Callaghan reminded Cllr King that the Council will search for more than one quote, which Cllr King agreed with.

This motion was tabled at the October sitting of Laois County Council's Borris in Ossory / Mountmellick Municipal District.

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