COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, November 10, 2025

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor D. McManus

To ask the Chief Executive if the Living with Trees policy is subject to oversight of Government Departments, national policy, any relevant legislation for implementation or accountability, and how SDCC seeks to protect natural woodlands?

REPLY:

The Council's 'Living with Trees' policy 2021-2026 was adopted by the elected members following a detailed review of policy in this area by the relevant SPC during 2021. The policy is aligned with SDCC’s Corporate Plan, County Development Plan and Climate Action Plan.

 'Living with Trees' addresses and promotes the role that trees play in fighting climate change and their contribution towards the environment as well as their social, economic, health and wellbeing benefits and outlines the Council's policy for the management of the stock of publicly owned street trees, trees in parkland locations and trees located on estate open spaces. It includes measures to maintain them in accordance with agreed programmes and sets out a proactive tree management programme to expand the tree canopy in the County. It is supported by taking trees and woodland surveys such as the recent Tymon Park study. 

SDCC commits to a strategic approach for inspection, planting, and management, improving services and informed maintenance. It has enabled progress towards an improved service and a more effective and informed tree maintenance programme. Its objectives are as follows:

 The annual maintenance of trees and hedgerows are dictated by national legislation as set out in Section 40 of the Wildlife Act 1976 (as amended by Section 46 of the Wildlife (Amendment) Act 2000) and restricts the seasonal cutting of vegetation or hedges each year to facilitate the protection of nesting birds. As a local authority South Dublin County Council has an obligation to ensure that our activities and the activities of contractors working on our behalf adhere to this legislation. The only situation where cutting occurs outside of the approved period is for reasons of public health or safety.

In relation to land, both public and private, across the county; the council have adopted policies in the County Development Plan regarding the retention of trees, and it is an objective across the County Development Plan, including through the Green Infrastructure Strategy and through objectives listed in the Natural, Cultural and Built Heritage Chapter (Chapter 3) and the Green Infrastructure Chapter (Chapter 4).  The value of trees is also highlighted in Section 4.2.3 Climate Resilience, and they form part of the calculation process for a successful Green Space Factor which is required from applicants during the planning development application process.

The Living with Trees policy is currently under review, with the review process being presented to the Environment, Public Realm & Climate Change SPC in November 2025.