COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, November 16, 2016

QUESTION NO. 9

QUESTION: Councillor M. Johansson

"To ask for a report on the request for tree pruning of sycamore trees in Oakwood (particularly between 17 and 18 Oakwood Grove) which are causing allergies and other health issues for customer?"

REPLY:

The maple tree (Acer sp.) growing at the front of 17-18  Oakwood Grove, Clondalkin has been inspected recently by the Council's Parks Supervisor for the area.  The tree at this location does not require any immediate maintenance but has been noted for light pruning.

In line with the Council's Tree Management Policy 2015-2020 "Living With Trees", the focus of the 2016 Tree Maintenance Programme and future programmes is on entire roads or whole estates. This represents a move away from reactive pruning of individual trees on a one off basis to a planned programme of maintenance. The objective of this approach is to increase the efficiency and productivity of the tree maintenance crews and to advance a proactive programme of cyclical pruning that is targeted at priority locations where intervention is most needed to yield wider community benefit.

Oakwood Grove Estate is not listed for tree maintenance on the current 2016 Tree Maintenance programme.  However, a full survey of all trees in Oakwood Grove will be carried out to inform a programme of tree pruning and removal works for all trees that are identified as requiring tree maintenance.  Arising from that inspection any works considered necessary, including light pruning of the tree at house no. 17-18, will be noted and prioritised accordingly as part of a future Tree Maintenance Programme for the Estate.

All of the trees in Oakwood Grove are maple or Acer species which are not normally associated with causing allergic reactions.