COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF LUCAN / PALMERSTOWN / NORTH CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, September 24, 2024

MOTION NO.8

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

Cathaoirleach's Business

I propose that South Dublin County Council (SDCC) and the Chief Executive (CE) consider the implementation of an apiary in the Lucan area. Specifically, I suggest examining the feasibility of establishing an apiary on the rooftop of the 23rd Lucan Scout Group building in Lucan Village.

The potential benefits of an apiary include: Utilisation of Rooftop Space: The rooftop of the scout building presents a suitable and secure location for an apiary, making effective use of available space while keeping the apiary safe from public interference. Community Engagement: The apiary can be managed by local groups, including the scout group, fostering community involvement and ensuring the apiary is well-maintained. The scouts' committee is aware of this proposal and has expressed interest in learning more about its feasibility. Educational Opportunities: Linking the apiary with local educational institutions can provide students with hands-on learning experiences about beekeeping, ecology, and sustainability.

I request that SDCC and the CE evaluate the potential for this project and consider its integration into the community. An apiary would not only contribute to local biodiversity but also serve as a valuable educational and community resource.

REPORT:

The Scout Hall is located on land which has been leased to the Scout Foundation of Ireland.  The use of the rooftop for an apiary would be a matter for Scouting Ireland.  However, from a visual assessment of the building it is unlikely to be suitable for the following reasons.

• There is no means of access to the roof.
• The roof is not flat.
• There is no parapet or fall restraints around the roof.
• The roof would have not been designed to take the loading that would arise from bee hives and associated beekeeper(s).
• It would be impractical to carry bee keeping material up and down to the roof.

The potential to develop an apiary and integrate it into the community would need to be championed by a willing beekeeper. This individual needs to be able to travel and access the apiary wherever it is located. Visits during the winter period can be infrequent but this increases during the summer months when the colony is active.   The site itself needs to consider the safety of members of the public and the security of the hives from vandalism. To date no suitable site has been identified.  The development of an apiary will be examined further if an application is received from a beekeeper or beekeeping group.

In the meantime the Public Realm Section will continue to promote biodiversity and pollinator opportunities though its grassland management practices of Long Flowering Meadows and Short Flowering Meadows.