Halloween clean up costs at €155,000

TOTAL clean up costs for Halloween for 2021 was an estimated €155,000 in South Dublin County Council.

A total of 180 bonfire sites were recorded around the county in 2021 – a substantial reduction from the 280 sites recorded in 2020.

At the recent council meeting, Cllr Charlie O’Connor (FF), asked for a breakdown on the clean up operation and council plans for the 2022 Halloween.

In response, South Dublin County Council said “landscape reinstatement” has taken place at sites where it was required and other sites will be addressed when the ground is softer in April.

The €155,000 does not include the final reinstatement costs which are not known as yet, however these are not expected to increase the total costs in a major way.

“Measures to be taken in 2022 will be very similar to those taken in recent years, with one addition being the provision of a sum of €20,000 to hold a fireworks display for the benefit of the community this Halloween,” the council said.

The council attributed a number of factors to the reduction of bonfires including the vigilance and efforts taken by local residents to prevent bonfires in their areas, and meetings held with local resident groups and gardai ahead of the festivities to identify and remove stockpiles.

“The tonnage collected before Halloween in 2020 was 237 tonnes however this increased to 332 tonnes in 2021. Public Realm crews collected 70 tonnes of bonfire material on Halloween weekend itself in 2021 and 33 tonnes of material on the bank holiday weekend prior to Halloween,” said South Dublin County Council.