The proposal indicates that up to 12 semi-mature trees will be removed to maintain a multilane entry into Raheen Roundabout.
Section 4.8.5 of the National Cycle Manual covers how to improve existing roundabouts:
Many existing urban roundabouts were designed primarily from a motorist or capacity perspective, and are not conducive to safe pedestrian and cycling movements. Flared multi-lane approaches can be converted to single lane right-angled approach lanes as shown below. The benefits include a safer cyclist and pedestrian environment, slower speeds and reduced risk, greater legibility for drivers and better gap acceptance.
Removing these trees would also contravene one of the main strategic objectives of the Southern Environs Local Area Plan:
Protect, enhance and connect areas of natural heritage, green infrastructure and open space for the benefits of quality of life and biodiversity, while having the potential to facilitate climate change adaptation and flood risk measures.
We are experiencing a climate and biodiversity crisis (as declared by Limerick Metropolitan Council in 2019) so why are we prioritising the volume and speed of motor traffic over green infrastructure and walking and cycling?