Helping Climate by Helping Nature
SDCC seek to work with nature, rather than against it, to provide solutions to societal challenges, including climate change. These solutions play an important role in both helping to prevent climate change and in helping us to adapt to its effects. Working with nature gives many positive elements back in return, such as:
- Carbon sequestration (the land acts as a sink for carbon, meaning it absorbs it).
- Improved habitats, biodiversity and ecosystems.
- Preventing or reducing flooding by absorbing water and helping to control surface water runoff.
- Filtering pollutants thus improving air and water quality.
- Temperature regulation.
You can learn more about our climate actions in this area on our dedicated storymap, such as how we are addressing biodiversity loss, planting mini woodlands with community groups, or rolling out Sustainable Drainage Systems, or read below for additional actions.
Increasing Tree Cover in South Dublin
In the face of escalating climate change, the humble tree stands as a powerful ally.
SDCC is committed to enhancing our landscape by maintaining a tree planting regime in the county. 3,651 trees were planted in 2024 by the SDCC team.
In total there are 61,774 trees our SDCC tree maintenance mapping tool, equating to 18,632 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent sequestered to date.
Added to this is the extensive number of hedgerows in the county, with 1,700 linear meters of existing hedgerow.
Beyond their aesthetic appeal, trees provide an intricate web of economic, environmental, and social benefits, making them indispensable for protecting our communities and mitigating climate impacts.
- Carbon Sequestration: Trees are natural carbon sinks, absorbing atmospheric carbon dioxide and storing it in their wood, roots and soil. This vital process helps to reduce greenhouse gas concentrations, a primary driver of climate change.
- Air Quality Improvement: Trees filter pollutants from the air, including particulate matter and harmful gases, improving air quality and reducing respiratory health risks.
- Water Regulation: Tree roots stabilise soil, preventing erosion and reducing runoff. They also mitigate flood risks by slowing down the passage of rain and flood water.
- Biodiversity Hotspots: Trees provide habitats for a diverse range of flora and fauna, supporting biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. This is vital for a healthy environment.
- Urban Cooling: Trees provide shade, and through evapotranspiration, they cool the surrounding air. This is especially important in urban areas, where the "heat island" effect can exacerbate temperatures.
- Mental Health Benefits: Access to green spaces and trees has been shown to reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, promoting mental well-being.
Delivering the Biodiversity Action Plan
SDCC’s dedicated Biodiversity Action Plan demonstrates a commitment to actively protecting and enhancing the natural environment within its jurisdiction. With 13 out of 19 actions completed or ongoing, the plan is being implemented effectively. The SDCC Biodiversity Action Plan is a vital initiative for protecting the natural environment in South Dublin County. The council's progress in implementing the plan demonstrates a strong commitment to biodiversity conservation. It is clear that SDCC recognises the importance of biodiversity, in the face of climate change and for the overall health of its community. Biodiversity conservation is a global issue, but it requires local action. SDCC's efforts are essential for safeguarding the unique ecosystems within South Dublin County.
Fig 1: Meadowlands in Tymon Park
The Dublin Urban Rivers LIFE (DURL) Project
The DURL project is a collaboration between South Dublin County Council, Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council and the EU LIFE Programme. The project seeks to improve water quality in County Dublin and promote water quality improvement in urban areas by carrying out domestic misconnection inspections using a GIS-based approach. Domestic misconnections are caused by incorrectly plumbed washing machines and dishwashers which discharge to the stormwater drainage network flowing directly to the river, rather than to the foul sewer network, resulting in water pollution and a reduction in the habitat value of our rivers and streams. It impacts on our potential to meet the requirements of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the River Basin Management Plan 2022-2027 for Ireland.
During the past two years the project has assessed water quality in the River Griffeen catchment, visited over 4,000 houses and found approximately 420 misconnected appliances - most of which have been repaired by homeowners, with a small number awaiting repair. Access to houses has been tremendous, with 98.5% of the homeowners approached participating, and a very high repair rate showing a genuine willingness by homeowners to contribute to a better environment.
The DURL project built three integrated constructed wetlands (ICWs) in South Dublin County in 2023, using these nature-based solution to treat polluted stormwater. These natural water retention measures improve stormwater quality before discharging to local rivers and serve to improve biodiversity, increase flood resilience, and add to green infrastructure in public parks. Local communities got involved in planting the wetlands during construction.
The project has brought about a significant reduction in the levels of stormwater pollution flowing into the River Griffeen. The project team have recorded a meaningful reduction in typical pollution indicators in 2023 – with a reduction rate of 75% of phosphate levels and a reduction rate of 85% of ammonia levels (which cause excess algal growth and clog up our waterways) compared with 2021. A significant improvement in water quality has been achieved, and stormwater outfall quality can now reach national Environmental Quality Standards. The DURL Project was awarded an ESRI-Ireland Annual Standout Success award in 2022 in the category of Data Management and Collection for its Domestic Misconnection Assessment IT Application.
Key Nature Based Data
