COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE

Wednesday, February 15, 2012

MOTION NO. 13

MOTION: Councillor T. Gilligan

That the Manager outlines why funding is being removed for the Clondalkin Halloween Bonfire in 2012, how much will be saved?  How much does the Manager think will be saved in terms of how much a clean up following the Halloween Bonfire usually costs?

REPORT:

In 2006 the Council agreed to pilot the organisation of two 'official' bonfires in Tallaght and Clondalkin. The objective of this initiative was to reduce the number of bonfires in the area and thus reducing the environmental damage and also to provide a safe venue for families to come to celebrate Halloween.  The impact of the 'official bonfires' has not resulted in reduced numbers of bonfires in either of the two areas.  In retrospect, the organisation of an 'official bonfire' is not consistent with the Council's message that bonfires are harmful to the environment, landscape and health and should be avoided.   The cost of arranging the organised bonfire in Clondalkin was €5,000. The clean up costs for Parks alone cost €55,000 and the number of bonfires in 2011 were 351 as compared to 343 in 2010.

The Council has undertaken a number of initatives to promote pro-social behaviour around Halloween including the Bulbs not Bonfires campaign, free access to the Civic Amenity, Ballymount, WEEE collections throughout the County and a coordinated awareness campaign. In 2012 the Council will undertake to arrange a community focused event in both Tallaght and Clondalkin which will involve community participation and celebration.