COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, January 14, 2019

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor M. Johansson

To ask the Chief Executive to clarify who is responsible when trees on public footpaths in housing estates damage private houses, for example cracks in walls?

REPLY:

The perceived threat of damage by tree roots is sometimes a worry people have about trees near to buildings or built structures. Much of this concern is unwarranted as most trees growing near buildings cause no damage.  Lightly loaded structures, if they have inadequate foundations, may be affected by pressure exerted by tree roots or trunks. Tree roots are unlikely to directly penetrate sound footings.  The Council’s Tree Management Policy 2015-2020 ‘Living With Trees’ sets out the Council’s policy in regard to trees that are perceived to be in conflict with the built environment.  Trees in an urban environment will inevitably conflict with people and infrastructure which creates pressures for trees to be pruned or felled. The Council recognises that trees under its ownership/management may be implicated in causing damage to nearby built structures but is also aware that this is not always the case and that nearby trees often get blamed for damage before a thorough investigation is carried out. Some other reasons for structural failure are inadequate foundation design, general structural failure, poor quality construction, nearby excavations or major works to adjacent properties.  Property owners will be expected to provide evidence from an appropriately qualified professional that a particular tree is or has caused damage to their property and that all reasonable engineering alternatives have been explored before felling will be considered.  Where evidence is provided which demonstrates a Council owned tree is the cause of damage, the Council will take appropriate action on a case by case basis.