Dublin news is increasingly shaped by technology that can make communities greener, safer and more resilient. In Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown, a new pilot project is using artificial intelligence and LiDAR scanning to create a detailed digital record of the county’s street trees.
The initiative, announced on 25 September 2026, is expected to survey approximately 20,000 trees across the county during September. The project marks the first time an Irish local authority has used this combination of technology to assess its street-tree network at such a scale.
AI tree mapping supports future climate planning
The survey will create a digital twin for each tree, recording more than 70 points of information about its condition, structure and surrounding environment. Unlike conventional inspections, the technology can gather and process large volumes of information efficiently, giving council teams a clearer view of the county’s urban forest.
Survey teams will assess roughly 10,000 trees on each side of the county. The resulting data is intended to support decisions on tree maintenance, planting programmes and long-term climate adaptation.
What the digital survey can reveal
- Tree health, condition and structural characteristics
- Patterns in resilience across different areas
- Opportunities to increase urban canopy cover
- Information to guide maintenance and future planting
- Evidence to support biodiversity and climate initiatives
For residents, the project is more than a technology demonstration. Trees can improve air quality, store carbon, reduce heat in built-up areas and provide habitats for wildlife. They also contribute to the appearance and liveability of neighbourhoods across the county.
Why the project matters for Dublin communities
The findings are expected to help Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council identify trends in tree health and plan investment more effectively. Better information can support earlier intervention, improve maintenance priorities and help ensure that new planting is suited to local conditions.
The project also reflects a wider shift towards data-led public services. As Dublin continues to grow, reliable information about green infrastructure can help local authorities balance development, biodiversity and climate resilience.
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What happens next?
Once the pilot survey is complete, the information will provide a stronger foundation for managing the county’s street trees. It can help officials monitor changes over time, protect existing canopy and identify where further planting could deliver the greatest environmental benefit.
The council says the work supports its commitment to innovation, biodiversity and climate action. For residents, the central takeaway is clear: smarter tree management could help preserve one of the county’s most valuable natural assets for future generations.
As Dublin news increasingly highlights practical responses to climate pressures, Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown’s AI and LiDAR project offers an example of how digital tools can support healthier, more sustainable urban places.
