COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, May 12, 2025

QUESTION NO. 8

QUESTION: Councillor N. Fennell

To ask the Chief Executive for the approximate/average cost of tree saplings being planted in the county, and to detail in tabular form, the estimated cost of vandalised trees, resulting in replanting for the previous 3 years, and by LEA.

REPLY:

Each year South Dublin County Council undertakes a programme of tree planting to allow for the replacement of any previously removed trees and to assist in the continued effort to expand the tree canopy coverage in the county.  The Council engages contractors whose responsibility it is to supply, plant and maintain trees for a 24 month period to ensure they are successful in establishment. Within this period if a tree fails as a result of natural causes the contractor is responsible for replacing the tree as part of their maintenance programmes.  The cost of planting individual trees varies from year to year depending on the species, size and age of any given specimen. In 2025 the cost of planting and maintaining a standard 12-14cm girth specimen ranges between €106 and €441 depending on species. 

Unfortunately tree vandalism is experienced across the county to varying degrees, the chart below represents the number of newly planted trees vandalised across 2022-2024.  When a tree is vandalised the cost of replacement falls on the Council with that cost equating to the costs outlined above.