Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown is turning to advanced technology to better understand and protect its urban forest. The county council has launched a pioneering survey using artificial intelligence and LiDAR to create a detailed digital record of approximately 20,000 street trees.
The September 2026 pilot makes Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown the first local authority in Ireland to use this combination of technologies for a county-wide street-tree assessment. The project is expected to provide new evidence for planting, maintenance and climate-resilience decisions.
How the digital tree survey works
AI and LiDAR surveying allow information about individual trees and their surroundings to be gathered more quickly and consistently than through conventional inspections alone. Each tree will receive a digital twin containing more than 70 recorded data points covering areas such as condition, structure and the surrounding environment.
About 10,000 trees are scheduled to be assessed on each side of the county, creating a comprehensive picture of the local street-tree network. This data can help officials identify patterns in tree health, monitor resilience and prioritise future work.
- Detailed information on tree condition and structure
- Better insight into maintenance and replacement needs
- Evidence to guide future planting programmes
- Support for urban heat reduction and biodiversity planning
Why the project matters for Dublin communities
Urban trees provide benefits that extend well beyond appearance. They can improve air quality, store carbon, reduce heat in built-up areas and create habitats for wildlife. They also contribute to more attractive neighbourhoods for residents, workers and visitors.
For a growing county within the wider Dublin region, accurate information about existing canopy cover can help shape long-term environmental policy. The survey findings will support efforts to expand tree cover and maintain a healthier, more sustainable urban landscape.
The initiative also demonstrates how digital tools are increasingly influencing local government planning. Similar data-led approaches are becoming relevant across areas including infrastructure, environmental protection and Dublin business development.
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Innovation and climate resilience
Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council says the project reflects its commitment to innovation, biodiversity and climate action. By bringing detailed data into tree management, the council can make more informed decisions about where resources are needed and how the urban forest should evolve.
The survey is not simply an inventory exercise. It is intended to create a practical foundation for tracking change over time, strengthening resilience and protecting trees as important public assets. Better monitoring may also help the council respond more effectively to environmental pressures affecting urban vegetation.
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What happens next?
Once the surveys are complete, the resulting information will help inform tree planting, maintenance and canopy-cover strategies across the county. The long-term objective is to ensure that Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s trees continue supporting wildlife, climate resilience and quality of life for future generations.
Key takeaway: This AI-powered tree survey gives Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown a clearer, data-led way to care for its urban forest while advancing wider environmental goals across Dublin.
