COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

MOTION NO.3

MOTION: Councillor P. Cosgrave

That the Manager have the large trees on both sides of Whitechurch Abbey at Grange Park Rathfarnham removed. Also, the trees at the rear of (Address Provided in Grange Park). The leaves that shredded from these trees caused the flood drain at the junction of Whitechurch Abbey/Grange Park to be blocked during the recent flooding. At present twigs and small branches from these trees are blocking the flood drain. The trees could be replaced with smaller trees that shred less leaves.

REPORT:

South Dublin County Council manages in excess of 80,000 street trees across the County in accordance with the Living with Trees Policy. Tree removal is undertaken only where there is clear arboricultural justification, such as structural defect, disease, safety risk or essential infrastructure conflict.

The eight trees at the entrance to Whitechurch Abbey from Grange Park have been inspected and are in good condition. No arboricultural works are required. The trees to the rear of No. 38 Grange Park has also been inspected and requires no works. The largest tree in this location is within private ownership.
 
The flooding experienced in the Grange Park area in late January 2026 occurred during a period of exceptional and sustained rainfall within the Whitechurch Stream catchment, following a prolonged wet period when ground conditions were already saturated. This resulted in significantly elevated water levels in local watercourses and widespread flooding across parts of Dublin.
 
Tree removal would not have prevented this event. Mature trees form an integral part of the Council’s green infrastructure network and play a measurable role in surface water management by intercepting rainfall, increasing infiltration and absorbing water through their root systems, thereby reducing surface runoff.
 
In relation to the cleansing of debris on road edges and maintenance of the drainage infrastructure, the council street sweeping programme includes mechanical sweeping once every three months for this area. Additional sweeping is provided as the need arises, in particular to clear leaves from roads and footpaths during the months of September to December. The schedule for street sweeping is available to be viewed on line at SDCC Route List - SDCC