COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 14, 2025

MOTION NO.9

MOTION: Councillor C. Brady

That this Council calls on the Chief Executive to ensure that the review of the 'Living with Trees' policy includes a framework for addressing the impact of tree root systems on public infrastructure, particularly footpaths, identifying and prioritising locations where damage has occurred – setting out criteria for the phased removal and replacement of trees with species more appropriate for urban settings.

REPORT:

The current 'Living with Trees' policy document covers the period 2021 to 2026 and is due to be reviewed by the Environment, Public Realm and Climate Change SPC and will be replaced in 2026.  The review is due to commence at the September 2025 SPC meeting with the presentation of an appraisal of the current plan and performance under it with regard to the implementation of the three year maintenance plans and annual tree planting plans.  The review will identify aspects of the policy which need to be considered for possible amendment in light of issues that have arisen during the lifetime of the current policy.  It will also consider areas where the policy may need to be further developed, in relation to climate action and biodiversity for example.  It is proposed that non-statutory public consultation will commence directly after the September SPC meeting and will run for a four week period with a report on the consultation then presented to the November SPC meeting.  It is hoped that a draft of the new policy will be ready for presentation to the February 2026 SPC meeting.   

The review of the policy will afford elected members and members of the public an opportunity to have their say on the policy through the proposed non-statutory public consultation process which is proposed to commence in September.  The policy currently contains the two objectives 6.3 and 6.4 which are set out below in relation to conflict between trees and public infrastructure. 

6.3 Obstruction of roads, cycleways and footpaths Policy: The Council will undertake work to a tree in Council ownership / management where a tree is causing an obstruction to a public highway, public footpath or cycleway, public right of way, access to property or public open space, where reasonably feasible.

6.4 Trip hazard Policy: The Council will undertake measures to make safe an unacceptable trip hazard on a public footpath or road caused by the growth of a Council owned / managed tree.

The maintenance of the county's footpath network is the responsibility of the Council's Road Maintenance Section except for those paths which are in public parks or cross public open spaces.  The Roads Section advise that footpaths which have defects are listed for repair, if the defect is considered hazardous it may be prioritised for repair.  If a tree is suspected of causing the defect the Public Realm Section is requested to inspect the site once the existing footpath has been removed. Where possible offending roots will be pruned however if root pruning is likely to destabilise the tree then the tree will be marked for removal. Roads department require Public Realm to complete their assessment within 48 hours to enable the path repair to be completed.  Footpath repairs are not prioritised due to tree root related defects, they are prioritised solely on the severity of the defect.