COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, March 14, 2022

QUESTION NO. 11

QUESTION: Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

To ask the Chief Executive if tree maintenance in estates continues throughout the year or if it is restricted to occurring outside of the nesting season?

REPLY:

Section 40 of The Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended 2000) prohibits cutting of vegetation on uncultivated land between 1 March and 31 August. It is accepted in practice that street trees are cultivated and as such, this allows for tree maintenance works to be carried out during the closed period subject to compliance with best practice protocols in regard to pre-works assessment of trees for active nests or nesting birds.

Where an active nest or nesting birds are observed, no tree works should be carried out. The primary reason for a year-round programme of street tree maintenance is to ensure public safety and minimise tree hazards. Phenological and biological research also indicates that a number of tree species including cherry and walnut are best pruned in mid-summer to avoid introduction of disease while maple and horse chestnut will bleed sap extensively if pruned during early season growth.

The Council’s tree maintenance crews or contractors engaged by the Council, are required to thoroughly check trees for nesting birds during the nesting period (1 March - 31 August).  

The Council’s  Tree Management Policy – Living with Trees -  Appendix three outlines the Code of Practice for Pre Works inspection of trees for Nesting Birds.