'Leave the trees alone' Waterford resident pleads to local authority

The well-established residential areas of Lismore Park, Lisduggan and Larchville in Waterford are at the centre of an exciting accessible neighbourhood proposal, which is being led by the local authority.

The project, if completed, will include upgrades of the existing walking and cycling links, the creation of new walking and cycling links, and a series of road junction upgrades.

Details of the proposed works have been outlined by Waterford City and County Council as part of a public consultation process, which closes later this week.

“Centred on Waterford Shopping Centre Lisduggan, the Lismore Park, Lisduggan, Larchville Accessible Neighbourhood Project aims to improve how people move around their neighbourhood by providing safer, more direct and more attractive walking and cycling routes. It is intended to make daily journeys easier, encourage more people to walk or cycle, improve road safety and create a healthier, more connected community,” reads a public notice published by the local authority.

A number of observations have been submitted regarding the project.

A number of local residents simply raised their concerns about the proposed plans, whilst others have completely objected, citing issues including pedestrian safety, anti-social behaviour and parking as their main reason.

One concerned occupant on Skibbereen Road noted: “We don't need bike lanes outside our house. This is just encouraging anti-social behaviour and the use of the scooters and e-bikes. Encouraging people into our blind spots as we drive in and out of our house is ridiculous. The street is busy enough with parking and we don't need more people in the space.”

The same submission also makes reference to the effect the project will have on the local wildlife. “Removing the trees at Skibbereen and Paddy Browne’s Road is ridiculous. There are trees older than I am and they have been there for years. It's just another interruption to the wildlife and I object.”

The natural beauty of Paddy Browne’s Road was also on the mind of another concerned local who stated: “I also strongly object to the proposed removal of approximately 51 mature trees on Paddy Browne’s Road in order to facilitate the proposed cycling infrastructure and associated concrete/hard surfacing. The destruction of so many mature trees would have a significant environmental and visual impact while granting minimal travel benefits on this road.”

In their submission, a resident of Manor St John, highlighted the issue of blind spots. “Reversing out of a driveway across an active bike lane creates a dangerous blind spot, especially if parked cars on the street block your view of fast-moving cyclists.”

Road safety issues have also been raised in other submissions with some residents noting how e-bikes, scooters and speeding are becoming an increasing issue in the residential areas.

One concerned resident expressed concern that the project is “giving them an actual designated track for more dangerous behaviour”.

Uisce Éireann

In its submission Uisce Éireann states it has “no objection in principal to the proposal”. However, the submission mentions that the proposed plans may impact water services infrastructure.

The utility has asked the local authority “to liaise with Uisce Éireann during the final design stage of the proposed development works, in order to ascertain the potential impacts on the existing Uisce Éireann network infrastructure so that protection works or replacement works can be agreed and carried out as appropriate”.

The council emphasis that “while the area is well served by schools, shops and other services, community facilities, places of employment, and public transport, getting between these destinations on foot or by bicycle can be difficult due to insufficient footpaths, indirect routes, and road layouts that can be challenging for people of all ages and abilities”.

Submissions can be made until 4pm on Wednesday, September, 2, 2026.

If you would like to share your thoughts on the proposed project, you can do so at consult.waterfordcouncil.ie or in writing , clearly marked ‘Part 8 Lismore Park, Lisduggan, Larchville Accessible Neighbourhood Project’, to Active Travel Department, Waterford City and County Council, City Hall, Waterford City, X91 PK15.