COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
Monday, October 12, 2026
QUESTION NO.15
QUESTION: Councillor D. Loftus
To ask the Chief Executive to provide details of the number of trees planted by the Council over the past five years, including a breakdown by species and identifying native and non-native varieties, and to provide an estimate of the number of trees lost during the same period, including losses attributable to natural causes and planned tree removals, and if a statement can be made on the matter.
REPLY:
The Tree Management Policy Living with Trees 2026-2031 provides the framework for maintaining and expanding the County’s tree stock. It prioritises retaining established trees where practicable, replacing trees, increasing canopy cover and biodiversity, and choosing the “Right Tree, Right Place”.
The planting figures below cover the annual Public Realm programme and Council construction, park, public realm and biodiversity projects.
Tree Planting and Canopy Expansion (2021-2026)
| Measure | Figure |
| Trees Planted (2021-2026) | 13,522 |
| Mini Woodlands Established Since 2021 | 19 |
| Native Trees Planted Through Mini Woodland Programme | 44,200 |
| Tree Canopy Cover (2017) | 10% |
| Tree Canopy Cover (2025) | 14% |
| European Average Canopy Cover | 15% |
| Current Total Carbon Storage | Approximately 23,497 tonnes |
| Projected Cumulative Carbon Removal (2026-2031) | Approximately 7,447 tonnes |
Over the same period, from 2021 to 2026 (to date), 5,389 trees were removed. Of these, 3,737 were removed through planned, cyclical maintenance following inspection and assessment; the remaining 1,652 were removed for reactive or operational reasons, including storm damage, disease, decline, structural defects, safety concerns and other Council works. Natural decline, disease and storm damage are included in the reactive figure, but a county-wide breakdown by individual cause is unavailable.
The Policy recognises the value of retaining mature trees. Removals are generally limited to trees that are dead, dying, dangerous, structurally unsound, significantly declined or diseased, or in unavoidable conflict with infrastructure. Planned removals help maintain a safe, sustainable and resilient tree stock.
Native and Non-Native Species
For new planting, the Council favours native trees where appropriate, particularly in parks, open spaces, woodlands and biodiversity projects. Since 2021, it has established 19 Mini Woodlands with approximately 44,200 native Irish trees.
The annual programme planted a further 13,522 trees from 2021 to 2026, mainly in urban areas. An indicative assessment suggests that approximately 55% were native and 45% non-native. Selected non-native species can be better suited to sites affected by limited space, compacted soil, road salt, air pollution or climate change; a diverse mix also reduces vulnerability to species-specific pests and diseases.
This balance reflects the “Right Tree, Right Place” principle: selecting species suited to each location while increasing native planting where appropriate.
Commonly Planted Tree Species
| Commonly Planted Native Species | Commonly Planted Non-Native Species |
| Oak (Quercus robur) | Hornbeam (Carpinus betulus) |
| Sessile / Irish Oak (Quercus petraea) | Beech (Fagus sylvatica) |
| Silver Birch (Betula pendula) | London Plane (Platanus × acerifolia) |
| Downy Birch (Betula pubescens) | Lime (Tilia spp.) |
| Common Alder (Alnus glutinosa) | Horse Chestnut (Aesculus hippocastanum) |
| Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) | Italian Alder (Alnus cordata) |
| Wild Cherry (Prunus avium) | Maple Species (Acer spp.) |
| Bird Cherry (Prunus padus) | Ornamental Cherry Cultivars (Prunus cultivars) |
| Crab Apple (Malus sylvestris) | Holm Oak (Quercus ilex) |
| Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna) | Walnut (Juglans regia) |
| Hazel (Corylus avellana) | Ornamental Pear Cultivars (Pyrus cultivars) |
| Holly (Ilex aquifolium) | Elm Cultivars (Ulmus cultivars) |
| Willow (Salix spp.) | |
| Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) |
Tree establishment exceeded removals over the period. County tree canopy cover rose from 10% in 2017 to 14% in 2025, close to the European average of 15%. We will continue to favour native species where appropriate and select resilient trees suited to each location, supporting biodiversity, climate resilience, canopy growth and the County’s urban forest.