COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, July 13, 2026

QUESTION NO.17

QUESTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

To ask the Chief Executive whether power-washing of village footpaths is carried out periodically anywhere in the County.

REPLY: 

Power-washing of village footpaths is not currently undertaken as part of a fixed countywide periodic programme. Footpath cleansing is managed through the Council’s wider street cleansing and public realm maintenance service, with works prioritised having regard to footfall, surface condition, staining, safety considerations, operational need and available resources.

Routine cleansing in village and district centres is generally delivered through street sweeping, litter removal, bin servicing and targeted public realm maintenance. Where additional treatment is required, including the removal of heavy staining or build-up, individual locations are assessed by the Public Realm Section and addressed on a case-by-case basis. This assessment includes consideration of surface suitability, access requirements, drainage, property condition surveys (where adjacent to private properties, shop fronts, business entrances), health and safety requirements and available operational resources. In general, repeated power washing of paved surfaces is not recommended as it can lead to the removal of necessary jointing material between paving and cause damage building/shop fronts.  

The Council continues to invest in improved village and public realm maintenance. Electric Green Machine sweepers are operational in Clondalkin and Lucan villages, supporting more sustainable local cleansing operations. In addition, the wider Public Realm Improvement Works programme includes village and public realm enhancements such as upgraded footpaths, improved park entrances, landscaping and related works.

With the continued improvement and upgrading of the council’s public realm, such as village/district centres, council buildings and park entrances, alternate options to cleaning paved areas, such as steam, is currently being considered. Steam cleaning heats water to 150 degree Celsius, with the benefit of using less water and minimises the use of detergents required for the removal of gum, oil and food stains. Budget costings to complete such works on a once off and or periodic routine maintenance, are currently being sought.  

Requests for enhanced cleansing at specific village locations will continue to be reviewed by the Public Realm Section and considered in the context of existing maintenance programmes, operational priorities and available budget.