A fire hazard is being caused by trees growing to the rear of properties at Gort na Rí housing estate in the Tullyvarraga area.

Due to recent anti-social behaviour in the area, Cllr Gerry Flynn had called on Clare County Council to have the trees removed but was told by the area engineer that this  is not the responsibility of the local authority but a matter for St Aidan’s Community School.

According to Cllr Flynn Gort na Rí was a scheme that was specially designed for older people and people with disabilities.

He said that a young woman who is confined to a wheelchair lives in one of the houses there and fires have been started at the back of the property which have put her in fear of her life.

Because the trees are close to the house, Cllr Flynn took it up with the fire authorities, now when he takes it up with the council he is told that the school is responsible.

“Well,” he said. “it was Clare County Council that decided to build the houses there and I don’t think this response is acceptable at all”.

Cllr Flynn appealed to town manager Bernadette Kinsella to follow up on the issue as the council doesn’t want a fatality on its hands.

Cllr Tony Mulcahy said it is imperative that there trees are taken down as they are a danger to the residents. He claimed there has been a disturbing spate of incidents involving fires that have been started deliberately in recent times.

As the weather improves Cllr Mulcahy is concerned that timber etc is very dry and flammable and he called for this particular matter to be given immediate attention.

In conclusion, Bernadette Kinsella said that she would take the matter up with St Aidan’s immediately.