Council spend €67k on Halloween costs
By Maurice Garvey
OVER €67K was spent on Halloween costs in Dublin South Central by Dublin City Council.
Costs include overtime (€28k), truck hire and labour (€28,500), drone surveillance (€605), protective fencing (€2,000) and disposal of bonfire materials (€8,700).
Green area damaged in Cherry Orchard gardens
In a report, the city council said activities this year were targeted towards young people and small outdoor events rather than big outdoor events which were restricted.
“Street youth work engagement this year was very important in deterring young people from anti-social behaviour,” said Mary Taylor, Dublin City Council Director of Services.
“Great credit is due to the youth workers that were out and about most of the Saturday evening.”
There were three incidents where the public order unit was called out to – St Michael’s Estate, Cherry Orchard Gardens and Bridgefoot Street.
Authorities noted positive feedback from members of the community and gardai regarding the overall success of Halloween this year with a “noticeable reduction” in bonfire damage.
Up to 410 tonnes of bonfire material was disposed of across the entire city, a reduction of almost 200 tonne compared to last year.
In South Central, a team of 19 people worked over the Bank Holiday weekend to identify and track bonfire material movement – resulting in the removal of approximately 165 tonnes of mixed bonfire materials.
Numerous small scale events took place including Saint John Bosco Youth Centre’s virtual family Bingo and a Familibase virtual Live Mic Music Night on Halloween.
Ballyfermot Youth Service organised three fancy dress cycle trips throughout the day involving over 45 young people.
Coaching events that included skateboard and BMX for beginners were held in the skate park on the day with an outdoor BBQ.
Intelligence based operations and drone technology “proved invaluable in monitoring vacant sites, open public spaces and green margins.”
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