COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN, NEWCASTLE, RATHCOOLE, SAGGART AND BRITTAS AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, September 20, 2023

MOTION NO.8

MOTION: Councillor E. Ó Broin

This committee agrees to outline to residents its role with respect to windfall crab apple and crab pears that cover footpaths and roads in the autumn and can thus cause a nuisance.

REPORT:

The Council's Tree Management Policy - Living with Trees - states the following with regard to fruiting tree under Section 6.26 Fruit/berries/nuts/ blossom. 

The Council will not fell or prune Council owned trees solely to alleviate problems caused by natural and/or seasonal phenomena such as fruit/berries, nuts or blossom which are legally outside their control.

Problems caused by falling fruit, berries, nuts or blossom are natural and seasonal occurrences and not something the Irish legal system recognises as a ‘legal nuisance’.  Whilst we appreciate these problems, they are judged as a relatively minor inconvenience when considering the many benefits of having trees within an urban environment. Fruit trees such as apple, cherry and pear are welcomed in many locations for having the double benefit of spring blossom and autumn fruit. This makes fruit trees good for wildlife and a source of free food.

However, where fallen fruit is leading to a significant anti-social behaviour problem, the Council will consider measures to reduce the problem including whether a phased removal and replacement with alternative species is reasonable. If there is a hazard on the public footpath the Council’s Public Realm section should be notified of the problem to arrange clearance.