Madam, – I refer to a letter published in The Irish Times(November 9th) that claimed nine council employees were engaged in cutting down a tree in Cabinteely Park. In fact, the group were volunteers from Conservation Volunteers Dublin, a club established in October 2010 whose objectives include assisting the work of local authorities, NGOs and community groups in conserving and protecting the natural environment in Dublin.
There were also two council staff present, the park supervisor, who would have been in receipt of overtime, and the council’s biodiversity officer, who was not on overtime.
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council is delighted to be able to support local communities in taking a “hands-on” approach to conservation projects through this new initiative, and further information on the club is available from the council’s biodiversity officer, Ms Mary Toomey at (01) 205 4700. – Yours, etc,