COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 14, 2020

QUESTION NO.20

QUESTION: Councillor Shane Moynihan

To ask the Chief Executive for an updated implementation plan, with expected completion dates for the next three years by electoral area, for the Tree Maintenance Programme, mindful of the impact of COVID-19 and the need to keep tree maintenance crews safe.

REPLY:

The 3 year 2020-22 Tree Maintenance Programme was presented to the Area Committees in early 2020. COVID -19 has impacted on the delivery of the Tree Maintenance Programme as waste and litter management and grass cutting were prioritised during the Covid lockdown periods.  It is proposed that reports will be presented to the ACMs in October to update elected members with regard to the current position on programmed works, and to provide information on work that is planned to take place over the remaining months of the year.

In advance of commencing works within an estate or road, a full survey of all trees at the location is carried out to inform the programme and scheduling of tree maintenance. There are areas surveyed where work can now commence. The Council’s tree crews are currently working on the tree maintenance programme. It is proposed to reorganise the tree operation to support the crews with additional resources. In addition, the Council have procured additional support from tree maintenance contractors to deal with dangerous trees, trees near electricity wires, trees carried forward from previous programmes and individual urgent trees.

The measures taken will ensure that tree work will continue and that the proposed work will be completed at the end of 2022 period.