COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF JOINT POLICING COMMITTEE

Friday, September 12, 2008

QUESTION NO 1.

QUESTION: Councillor T. Ridge

That this Council in conjunction with the Gardai endeavour to stop the collecting of wood and all sorts of junk before Halloween in an effort to defray the outrageous cost of cleaning up [100,000] last year and the dreadful burning of this Councils green spaces.

REPLY:

The Garda Síochána in the DMR South Division is aware of the damage to green spaces and the public order issues often associated with bonfires over the Halloween period. Community Gardai will in the weeks leading up to Halloween, visit schools and advise the young people of the dangers associated with bonfires etc.  Gardai will utilise the Halloween Safety Project (video) package. In the days prior to Halloween Gardai on patrol will remain vigilant for individuals gathering material. Special emphasis will be placed on areas which have proved problematic in the past or where the material is considered a danger to person’s property. Each Superintendent will prepare a Policing Plan for the Halloween period. Additional Garda resources will be available.    

Garda members will be nominated in each Garda District to liaise with the Community and the Estate Management Section of South Dublin County Council. Garda will be available to assist Council Officials if necessary when they are removing material. Local Community Gardai will liaise with Council Officials and Community Activists to reduce the number of bonfires in green spaces.