COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, December 15, 2025

QUESTION NO.9

QUESTION: Councillor N. Whelan

"To ask the Manager, what measures are taken during times of heavy leaf shedding to ensure main drains in areas prone to flooding are kept clear?"

REPLY:

The Natural Water Section maintain the surface water pipe network by cleaning, jetting and desilting works, throughout the year.

The SDCC Road Sweeping Contract removes roadside leaves which block the gullies on a continuous basis.

This contract includes the sweeping of 900kms of road network and the cleaning of over 44,000 gullies.

In times of high winds, leaves are blown from the trees which can lead to blocked gullies and localised flooding.

Ahead of weather events:

• the SDCC operations staff check and clean out gullies in areas prone to flooding.
• All trash screens are cleared along the river/stream network.
• Additional road sweeping is utilised to clear leaves as necessary.

Currently, most of the leaves have now been cleared and this problem should not be as significant as in September to November.