COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 14, 2024

QUESTION NO.41

QUESTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

Can the Chief Executive clarify why trees that appear to be of a potentially dangerous height have been allowed to remain in place?

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 they 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. Section 6.16 outlines the Councils approach to trees that are considered ‘too big’ or ‘too large’:

Residents may feel apprehensive about the size of a tree and consider it dangerous. However, trees are not dangerous just because they are perceived as tall, too big for their surroundings or move in the wind. Tree movement in high winds is natural and one of the ways they can withstand strong winds. Other problems would need to be shown for the Council to consider the tree to be dangerous.