COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2024

QUESTION NO.21

QUESTION: Councillor M. Duff

Could the Manager please give details of the number of requests that were made for tree removals, resulting from damage to property between 2020 to 2024. Could he also detail the number of cases where the householder was asked to provide an Engineers report?

REPLY:

During the period from 1 January 2020 to 30 September 2024 the Council received a total of 14,407 queries which are logged on the customer care system and which related to the management of trees in one way or another. The total number of requests received during this period for tree removal and which specifically mention damage being caused to private property is 328, and of that total 44 requests for submission of structural survey reports were issued by the Council in response. Many of the requests received relate to damage being done above ground such as tree branches in conflict with a roof or rainwater system, and in these instances the damage can be easily seen and rectified.  In many instances this will lead to pruning the tree to the boundary rather than removal.  

The Council’s Tree Management Policy document 'Living with Trees' outlines the importance of trees from both an aesthetic and environmental view. The policy states that trees in an urban environment may conflict with people and infrastructure creating pressure for trees to be pruned or felled. In circumstances where structural damage can be repaired or reasonably resolved by appropriate engineering solutions, the Council will not normally consider removal of a tree, except where the tree is considered to be of poor structural or physiological condition. The policy document states that property owners will at their own expense be expected to provide evidence from an appropriately qualified professional that a tree has caused damage to their property and that all reasonable engineering alternatives have been explored before felling will be considered. Where evidence is provided which demonstrates that a Council owned tree is the cause of damage, the Council will take appropriate action on a case by case basis.