Council praised for efforts to prevent bonfires before Halloween
By Maurice Garvey
DUBLIN City Council collected almost 40 tonnes of bonfire material and 1,000 tyres on Halloween day.
A further 40 tonnes were collected in the weeks leading up to Halloween, part of an effort by the local authority to curtail anti-social activity.
The council were lauded by public representatives for the measures they deployed to ensure a peaceful Halloween in Dublin South Central.
A “robust approach” to prevent trouble kicking off in the weeks leading up to Halloween, is now being considered for other constituencies as a result of the success.
Collection of bonfire material started in September in Dublin South Central – accomplished in the main by crews and plants supplied by waste services.
DCC Area Manager Bruce Philips said: “Most of the material was collected where bonfires were close to buildings, and threatening or unsafe.”
Security arrangements between gardaí and council crews – which operated between 6am and 5pm on Halloween – passed without incident.
Sinn Féin Councillor Daithí Doolan said: “I have to thank the staff of DCC and all emergency services who worked hard to protect residents and property. Their efforts ensured that Halloween was made a lot safer for many people across Ballyfermot.
People Before Profit Councillor Pat Dunne commended council staff for their efforts, and for events staged by staff in the Crumlin Area Office.
Independent Councillor Paul Hand said “garda patrols were increased in Drimnagh” leading to a much more pleasant Halloween in the area.
Independent Councillor Vincent Jackson blasted “rag radio stations”, who he said, were almost “disappointed” when they had nothing to report from the area after Halloween.
“I think it calls into question the motivation of these stations, when they demonise an area,” said Cllr Jackson.
The cost of additional plant and crews arranged by the public domain unit over the four weeks prior to Halloween and on October 31 was €18,000.
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