COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, April 28, 2026

QUESTION NO. 6

QUESTION: Councillor T. McDonald

How does the Council respond in cases where a resident does not want trees planted directly in front or along the side of their property? Will permission be obtained from the resident before planting commences?

REPLY:

As outlined in the Tree Management Policy ‘Living with Trees’, South Dublin County Council recognises the value of street trees in the urban environment and is committed to planting new trees annually to ensure that the visual amenity in South Dublin is assured for future generations.  Trees provide significant economic, social, environmental, ecological and aesthetic benefits to communities and to urban and residential streets, parks and open spaces. They also enhance biodiversity and play a crucial role in mitigating climate change.

Trees are selected for their appropriateness of scale and proportion to their surroundings and the aesthetic contribution they make to that environment.  Planting density and species selection are guided by available space to ensure that each tree planted is planned accordingly and compatible with its new site and has every opportunity to develop into a healthy mature specimen.  Suitable planting sites are selected and listed for consideration on the draft Tree Planting Programme.  Areas targeted for new tree planting are those where trees have been removed or where there is an identified need to increase the overall tree cover.

The principle of planting the ‘right tree in the right place’ applies for all new and replacement tree planting.  Potential sites for replacement tree planting are inspected in advance to assess their suitability for new trees, considering factors such as services, sight lines, warning signs and traffic signals, distance from public lighting columns, space for future crown and root growth, etc.  

Due to the extensive planting programme that take place each year it is not possible to liaise with residents on individual trees.  Residents who have concerns in this regard should contact the Public Realm Section.