COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, December 09, 2025

MOTION NO.6

MOTION: Councillor J. Sinnott

This Committee acknowledges the commitment and work done by South Dublin County Council in relation to tackling graffiti across the Rathfarnham / Templeogue / Firhouse / Bohernabreena areas. In light of the increase in funding approved in the 2026 budget in relation to graffiti removal this Committee requests that further engagement occurs with outside bodies such as the ESB in relation to the timely removal of graffiti.

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is committed to maintaining a clean and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors. This commitment is reflected in the various measures and programmes they have implemented to address litter and graffiti within the county. Recognising the importance of public spaces, SDCC has developed strategies to prevent and manage litter through enforcement, regulation, and community engagement.

SDCC addresses graffiti as it appears across the county, deploying staff and probation services to effectively respond to reported incidents. Offensive graffiti is always given priority due to its content. Public Realm has reviewed the current graffiti removal process and identified improvements.

Once a report of graffiti is received with exact locations and accompanying photos they are referred to the relevant contractor/department. We have added the online graffiti reporting form to the SDCC website SDCC Forms - Graffiti Report to streamline the process and it is proving effective so far. The form allows the public, residents groups and councillors to report graffiti online and to upload details of the location and photos of the graffiti to allow for quicker referral.

In addition to staff and probation services, a contractor has been engaged for specialised graffiti removal, ensuring a more efficient response. SDCC recognises the growing concerns regarding graffiti and its impact on public spaces, transport infrastructure, and community appearance. Tackling this issue necessitates a coordinated approach with key stakeholders such as the National Transport Authority (NTA) and the ESB.

Currently, SDCC holds Memorandum of Understandings (MOUs) with utility companies, including ESB, Virgin, GNI (Gas Networks Ireland), and EIR. The proposal to develop an MOU with the NTA aims to formalize roles and responsibilities in addressing graffiti. This agreement could outline cooperative efforts in prevention, removal, education, and restorative initiatives, potentially involving student engagement in awareness programs or community-led clean-up projects.

Preliminary discussions will be initiated with the NTA to explore their participation in such an MOU, defining areas of shared responsibility. Internal consultation will involve relevant departments, including Environment, Community, and Transportation. A report detailing these discussions and a proposed MOU structure will be presented to Councillors in due course. Further engagement has been made with other bodies in particular the ESB to collaborate on efforts in preventing graffiti and on the removal of same. Further meetings are to be held in early 2026 with the ESB in regard to the cleansing of their utility boxes.  

To combat graffiti, the Anti-Litter and Anti-Graffiti Awareness Grant is available to community groups and schools through the Environmental Awareness Section. The South Dublin Canvas project continues to discourage graffiti on traffic light boxes. Defacing property is a criminal offence, and Section 20 of the Litter Pollution Act 1997 mandates property owners to remedy defacement.

The following protocol outlines the principles for the Council's management of graffiti and ensures a consistent approach across the county:

• If graffiti is found on public property, the Council will arrange its removal using appropriate chemicals or paint.
• Property owners are responsible for removing graffiti from private premises. The Council will request the property owner to remove it initially. If the property faces a strategic public place, the Council will endeavour to remove the defacement, requiring indemnity from the property owner or an agent. A fee will be involved, and no works will occur without indemnity and agreed charges.
• For graffiti on utility boxes, the relevant agency/company will be contacted and requested to remove it.

SDCC understands the frustrations caused by graffiti and collaborates with various groups and organisations to enhance the county's aesthetic appearance. We appreciate the information provided from Councillors and the public who help identify graffiti areas and also those involved in Tidy Towns groups assisting in clean-up efforts.