COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 08, 2026

MOTION NO.6

MOTION: Councillor J. Sinnott

This Committee notes the number of issues in relation to trees that impact on a private residential property. This Committee further notes that in many cases the Council require an engineers report before undertaking any remedial works. However both the cost and availability of tree engineers / arboriculture consultant is a significant barrier to residents who are concerned by trees affecting their property. Therefore this Committee request the Council executive to examine ways to address this issue so that residents who are affected by trees in the public realm structurally impacting on their property are able to get resolution.

REPORT:

Under the previous Tree Management Policy, Living with Trees 2021-2026, homeowners were generally required to provide professional evidence, typically in the form of an engineer's report, demonstrating that a Council-owned tree was the issue.

The current Tree Management Policy, Living with Trees 2026-2031, addresses this matter under Section 5.5, Trees in Conflict with the Built Environment. Under the current policy, the Council undertakes an initial assessment of each case and, where it is evident that a Council-owned tree is causing damage to private property or infrastructure, appropriate remedial action will be considered without the need for the homeowner to first obtain specialist reports.
 
In circumstances where further investigation is required, the Council undertakes additional assessment works to establish whether a Council-owned tree is contributing to the reported issue. For example, where a footpath is lifting adjacent to the area in question and there is no evidence of damage to an adjoining boundary wall or property, the Public Realm Section may request the Roads Section to lift the footpath to determine whether tree roots are present and contributing to the issue. Where roots are identified, they are assessed to determine the most appropriate response, having regard to public safety and the health, stability and amenity value of the tree.
 
As a result, engineer's reports are now generally only required where the Council's assessment and any subsequent investigations cannot establish a clear causal link between the reported damage and the Council-owned tree.