asked the Minister for Local Government the specialist advice available to local authorities in the matter of the care and maintenance of ornamental trees in towns and villages, whether he considers that the care to these trees is adequate; and, if not, the steps he proposes to take to improve it.
Written Answers. - Tree Maintenance.
150.
The care of trees in public places is a matter for the local authorities concerned and I have no reason to believe that adequate advice in this regard is not available to them from their own advisers and from the Department of Lands and other sources.
An Foras Forbartha operates a comprehensive conservation and amenity advisory service for planning authorities. I understand from them that an area of considerable interest to planning authorities, as evidenced by requests of advice, is the matter of the care and maintenance of trees in towns and villages. An Foras have produced numerous relevant reports for planning authorities and they have held a special three-day seminar on "Landscape Development in Low Rise Residential Areas" and a two-day one on "Practical use of Parks and Open Spaces in Towns". In addition, they provide educational material on these matters. In the case of many towns and villages, advice would be obtainable also from the county committee of agriculture.