COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, December 08, 2025

QUESTION NO. 22

QUESTION: Councillor A. Smyth

To ask the Chief Executive regarding the tree policy, is there anything mentioned about tree heights where the trees are blocking the use of solar panels on residential properties being effectively used / installed, where residents are looking to use more renewable energy?

REPLY:

The council is currently finalising the SDCC Tree Management Policy 2026-2031.  The Council recognises the importance of renewable energy, both in terms of its environmental benefits and the value it provides to individual households. Trees, particularly mature specimens, also provide significant environmental, aesthetic, and ecological benefits to the wider community. A balanced and proportionate approach is essential when resolving conflicts between solar panel performance and tree presence. Where a homeowner believes that a tree is blocking or reducing the efficiency, or preventing the installation of their solar panels, the Council is proposing to carry out a site inspection to assess the situation, taking into account key factors such as proximity, orientation, and aspect. Due to the level of variance with individual sites, it is not possible to stipulate or determine what tree heights may have an impact. Each case will be assessed on its own individual merits.

If it is clear that a Council-managed tree is having a significant impact, the Council may consider appropriate pruning measures to improve solar panel performance while retaining the tree in situ. While the Council fully supports the move toward renewable energy solutions, it must also safeguard the long-term value and contribution of trees to local amenity, biodiversity, air quality, and climate resilience. Property owners should take into account the presence, and future growth, of nearby trees when selecting a suitable location for solar panel installation.