Residents urged to report stockpiling of bonfire materials

South Dublin County Council and Tallaght gardaí have appealed to communities to work together in promoting safety and reducing damage over the Halloween period.

Ahead of celebrations tomorrow night the council will be removing as many stockpiles of bonfire material as they can.

The council told The Echo: “As in previous years the council continues to promote and encourage a ‘Safe Halloween’ with the objective of reducing injuries, environmental damage and an approximate clean-up cost of €50,000 associated with this time of year.

“A substantial effort is being made by the council to deter the activity of illegal bonfires through a range of measures.

“These include reducing the availability of material for bonfires by removing bonfire material from circulation during normal daylight working hours and within health and safety limits, enforcement of litter legislation by enforcement officers, and the bonfire prevention campaign.”

Clondalkin Sinn Féin councillor Mark Ward also had an emergency motion passed in council chambers this week, which called on the council to direct extra resources into Halloween weekend.

Gardaí at Tallaght, who will support the council in the removal of bonfire material, have also urged parents and children to stay away from fireworks and bangers in the interest of their own safety and that of others.

Anyone can report bonfire material stockpiling to the council by calling 4149000.