COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 14, 2022

QUESTION NO. 35

QUESTION: Councillor Eoin Ó Broin

To ask the chief executive if it can be assumed that if newly planted trees die due to either not being correctly planted or not being watered and that this becomes apparent during the two year maintenance period, that the contractor must plant new replacement trees at no additional cost to SDCC, and maintain them for two years from the time of planting?

REPLY:

The annual programme for the planting of street trees involves the planting of approximately 2,500 at numerous locations each year.  The appointed contractor is responsible for the maintenance of the planted trees for a period of 2 years.  Should any trees die over the course of the two year establishment period as a result of the type of issues cited here, the contractor is responsible for the replacement of those dead trees at their own expense.  Upon completion of the two year maintenance period all planted areas, including replacement planting, are offered for handover. Areas are not accepted for handover in the event they have not been maintained properly and effectively and the contractor will be requested to continue maintenance of trees and further replacement planting until all defects are rectified.  The contracts awarded for planting and maintenance of trees include the withholding of substantial retention sums which are intended to ensure that contracts are completed to an acceptable standard.