COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 12, 2016

MOTION NO.3

MOTION: Councillor W. Lavelle

That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to review the policy and practice in relation to both the removal of weeds (including along roads, at the edges of open spaces and along watercourses) and the trimming of briars (particularly where they may protrude onto pedestrian and cycle routes) with a view to ensuring more the effective and timely programming of works during Spring and Summer months.

REPORT:

The control of weeds in parks and open spaces is generally undertaken by use of herbicides on a biannual basis. The first treatment occurs around April/May with a second application taking place during August/September. Both applications are weather dependent with the second application being timed to have regard to the effectiveness of the earlier treatment.

Vegetation along watercourses is often left untouched to provide a buffer between the water course and park users. This practice is intended to increase biodiversity and to enhance the safety of parks users. Removal of weeds along watercourses is carried out where noxious or invasive species are present.

The control of weeds along roads and adjoining footpaths is carried out by the council's road sweeping contractor as part of their duties. The contract allows for the application of two treatments during the year.  The provision of this service is due to be tendered again in the coming months and an increase in the treatment from twice yearly to three times yearly is under consideration.

The cutting back of briars from pedestrian and cycle paths is undertaken as part of routine maintenance works.  In general a ban on hedge trimming applies between the dates of 1 March to 31 August, the Council's annual hedge cutting programme takes place outside this period.  However where briars pose a hazard to cyclists or pedestrians they can be cut during the spring and summer months. With the rollout of new cycle paths throughout the county, cyclists and pedestrians are now travelling along routes that were previously unused. In some instances this is bringing them into close contact with hedgerows where briars are present. Previously these briars did not require pruning but as they become known they are being included as part of the routine maintenance works. The long-term treatment of briars at these locations is under review and may include measures to remove the vegetation altogether.