COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 14, 2020

QUESTION NO.18

QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor

To ask the Chief Executive to confirm his plans to deal effectively with the concerns in many communities regarding the Tree Programme and grass cutting. Will he give assurances and make a statement?

REPLY:

The tree management programme in 2021 will prioritise any outstanding works from the previous three year maintenance programme 2017 to 2019, these locations are included on the 2020-22 Tree Maintenance Programme and will receive priority in 2021.  A substantial increase in the budget allocation will enable this backlog to be cleared in the coming year.  In addition to this, the normal maintenance programme will also be implemented focussing on whole roads and whole estates.  The programme has been advised to the elected members and quarterly progress reports will be presented to the ACMs throughout the year.  The surveying of the street tree population will continue and will inform the planning of work for the following years as well as the detail of the work required on trees included in the current programme.   Works will continue to be carried out on trees with overhead power lines in close proximity, as well as trees considered to be in a dangerous condition.

The grass cutting programme will commence in February/March as soon as grass growth requires and ground conditions are suitable.  The programme sets targets of weekly grass cutting on playing pitches and fortnightly cutting in other areas.  Adherence to these frequencies is key to achieving an acceptable standard of grass cutting.  Every effort will be made to ensure that the frequencies are achieved.  The recruitment of seasonal staff in 2021 will assist in achieving a high standard or presentation of public realm areas around the county.