COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, November 27, 2018

MOTION NO. 14

MOTION: Councillor G. O'Connell

That this Area Committee note that the residents at (addresses supplied not for publication) have requested again that the trees outside their homes be removed without delay. If not removed, the Council may be faced with a bill for damages to wall, piers, gardens and driveways. I have inspected the locations and I can verify that the Trees must be removed.

REPORT:

The trees at locations specified in Palmerstown Green and Whitethorn Park have been inspected by the Council's Parks Supervisor for the area. The trees at these locations are not considered to warrant removal but have been listed for routine pruning as part of a planned whole estate tree maintenance programme.  Both Palmerstown Green and Whitethorn Park are listed for works as part of the 2017-2019 Tree Maintenance Programme. 

The trees at both locations were reviewed having regard to the issues raised in relation to the adjacent private boundaries. It would appear that possible structural issues relating to the built structures themselves and evidence of nearby excavations in recent times should be considered as causal factors of the issues raised in the first instance.  The property owners should be encouraged to seek independent advice on resolving these issues by alternative means that do not involve the removal of trees.  As stated in the Council's Tree Management Policy 2015-2020 'Living With Trees', property owners will be expected to provide evidence verified by an appropriate professional that a particular tree is causing damage to the property and that all reasonable engineering alternatives have been explored before felling will be considered.