COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, September 11, 2023
QUESTION NO. 41
QUESTION: Councillor C. O'Connor
To ask the Chief Executive to outline the policy of the Council in dealing with requests, from any source, to cut down a Tree in an estate and will he make a statement?
REPLY:
On receipt of a request for tree removal the Council's Public Realm Section will arrange a detailed survey of the tree in question either by Council staff or by an experienced and suitably qualified arborist where necessary. The results of the survey will determine the course of action, if any, to be taken regarding the tree and the request for it's removal. The Council's policy document 'Living with trees' states the following at section 4.3 -
4.3 Reasons for tree pruning and felling Policy:
The Council will wherever possible try to avoid removing a tree or undertaking unnecessary pruning works where there is no good arboriculture reason. It has a duty to manage the tree population for the benefit of the wider community and in accordance with good arboriculture practices. The Council will undertake tree works to fulfil its legal obligations to ensure the safety of the public and properties.
Tree works will be undertaken:
- Where an inspection has identified visible decay, fungal brackets indicating possible root and trunk decay or any other defect that would lead to the tree failing.
- A tree is dead or visibly in decline.
- To abate an actionable nuisance, where branches are touching buildings, for example, physical contact with walls, windows and gutters.
- Where road signs, traffic signals, street lights, and sightlines for vehicles and pedestrians are obscured.
- Evidence has been provided that the tree is a contributing factor in causing structural damage that cannot be reasonably addressed by an alternative solution and proactive tree management has had no mitigating effect.
Tree removal or pruning will not be undertaken where:
- Trees are perceived to be too large.
- Satellite dish TV reception is interrupted.
- Sunlight may be blocked from reaching properties or gardens.
- Views are obstructed.
- Seasonal or naturally occurring events happen, for example, falling leaves, fruit, seeds or berries, honeydew sap, bird droppings, pollen allergies.
- Insects or other non-hazardous wildlife are present