A judge in Ireland has ordered the Dublin City Council to pay a EUR 37,000 settlement to a kid who broke his arm. The seven-year-old tripped and fell on an alleged hole in the surface.

According to several Irish newspapers, the boy’s counsel, Michael Byrne SC, told the court it was their case that the boy was playing football when he tripped and fell due to an alleged hole on the astro turf surface.

Mr Byrne said liability was fully contested in the case.

The incident happened on 1 May 2019. While playing football at a municipal ground, the boy allegedly tripped and fell, breaking his arm.

Council Michael Byrne SC claimed that a hazard had been created by a failure to inspect or maintain the area. He also claimed that there was failure to take any reasonable care to see the boy would be reasonably safe while on the playing area.

There was also an alleged failure to cordon off the area and to have any adequate warning signs.

It was further claimed there was a failure to ensure the area was inspected or maintained on a consistent basis while permitting members of the public to be there.

All of the claims were denied. Dublin City Council contended it did not create the alleged nuisance of which the boy complained.

Mr Byrne told the court the boy had a grossly displaced fracture of his right upper arm, and had to undergo surgery. He had a number of pins inserted into his arm.

Approving the settlement, Mr Justice Paul Coffey said it was fair and reasonable.