In summer 2024, Bloomin’ Crumlin partnered with researchers from UCD’s Schools of Geography and Computer Science on the INTERVAL (INTEgrated stReet tree VALuation) project—part of Science Foundation Ireland’s Healthy Environment for All National Challenge Fund. This project forms part of Bloomin’ Crumlin ambition to complete a Tree census for the local area.
Local residents were trained to verify, map and measure algorithm-identified trees, inspect private gardens (with permission), and help populate an interactive tree map. All households in the area received a leaflet showing them how to partake and map their own gardens.
Once all this data is collected, research are creating an application that can show all trees in the area and calculates each tree’s impact on pollution removal, carbon storage,, storm-water absorption, and shade by creating a public-facing species database.
The project to date has involved a number of workshops, including tree walks in local parks, workshops on how to use the Cartospot application to collect tree information and a workshop to show the information that was collected up to October 2024, including speakers from Pocket Forests, Woodlands of Ireland and the DCC Tree Officer.
The project delivers an interactive online tree map that allows users to explore mapped trees by location, species, and ecological value. By analysing tree density and ecosystem services data, the system identifies priority zones—hotspots where planting new trees would bring the greatest community benefit. This approach supports more equitable greening by helping Dublin City Council and local groups intentionally plan plantings to close canopy gaps, boost biodiversity, and strengthen climate resilience. An open-access ecosystem services database also empowers residents, planners, and volunteers with knowledge about the value of each tree, supporting informed decision-making and stronger advocacy for greener, healthier streets.
The Crumlin Tree Census provides a replicable blueprint for future greening efforts across Dublin and beyond.
