COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 08, 2012

QUESTION NO.4

QUESTION: Councillor M. Devine

To ask the Manager to assess the feasibilty of using Rubber Mulch Rings around trees and poles through the County?

REPLY:

The Council uses herbicides to control weed and grass growth around trees, poles, lighting columns and other street furniture as it is the most economicaly efficient and reliable means of control.

The Council is aware of a number of proprietory mulch matt products including rubber mulch rings. However it is considered that such products are not suitable for use on public roads due to the difficulty in securing them against potential anti-social misuse. When considering any product for use in the public environment, a number of factors need to be considered including robustness,  resistance to vandalism and cost of purchase / use.

While it is acknowledged that the control of weeds has been less than satisfactory in some areas this year due to the exceptionally wet summer, it remains the case that spraying is the most cost effective measure. With improved weather conditions in September, an effective spraying programme has again been possible. Staff have been and will continue to spray herbicides, subject to weather conditions, in these areas to control the weeds.