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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 09, 2023

QUESTION NO.7

QUESTION: Councillor L.Guéret

To ask the Chief Executive if consideration has been given to making an arrangement with the Grass Cutting Contractors that they do not leave cut grass on footpaths after completion of their work.

REPLY:

The Council's Public Realm Operations staff carry out the vast majority of grass cutting in the county, with only the meadow mowing programme assigned to contractors.  The issue of grass cuttings left behind on hard surfaces is one that Public Realm management and supervisory staff are mindful of and raise with operational staff on a regular basis.  When conditions for grass cutting are good, that is the grass is dry and not excessively long, then the issue of grass cuttings left on hard surfaces does not arise in general.  Grass cuttings can build up on grass cutting machinery and then be deposited on the ground for a number of reasons.  These include the necessity to continue to cut grass even when it is wet, the wet grass cuttings stick together in a clump and then drop off when the mower hits a hard surface.  In some circumstances there is excessive driving on and over footpaths and in these circumstances staff are instructed to keep this to a minimum.  Where crossing a footpath is unavoidable then it should be done with care to avoid the depositing of grass cuttings on the footpath.  Where this does occur however it is the responsibility of the mower operator, and the supervisor, to ensure that the area is cleaned afterwards.  Regular cleaning of mowers is also required to maintain the mowers in good condition but also to remove any build up of grass cuttings.  Public Realm management and supervisory staff will continue to monitor this issue and remind staff as necessary of the standard that is required.