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SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2024

QUESTION NO.40

QUESTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

To ask the Chief Executive at what stage is a tree in a housing estate deemed inadequate, particularly when it has been identified as overgrown, unsuitable for residential areas, and causing issues such as sap damage to property?

REPLY:

Trees within the Councils ownership are surveyed as part of the 3 year Tree Maintenance Programme as well as on an individual basis, if required. In instances where trees are alleged to be overgrown or unsuitable these can be listed for an individual survey following which any required works will be scheduled as necessary to ensure the health and safety of residents as well as for the benefit and longevity of the trees themselves.

It is important to note, that all actions undertaken as part of tree maintenance are directly informed by the Council approved, ‘Living with Trees’ policy. The following items deal with the issues listed:

As per Section 4.3 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.

In terms of trees in conflict with the built environment, Section 6.5 outlines the following: 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. Property owners will, at their own expense, be expected to provide evidence from an appropriately qualified professional that a particular tree is or 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 a Council owned tree is the cause of damage, the Council will take appropriate action on a case by case basis.

It is important to note that while the Council seek to retain as many trees as possible across the County to assist in the efforts being made against Climate Change and to contribute towards our Green Infrastructure, works will be actioned to fulfil legal obligations as well as 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.