COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE (1)
Monday, November 26, 2012
MOTION NO. 14
MOTION: Councillor M. Devine
"That the Manager reconsider the provision of a supervised bonfire within the Fettercairn Estate for our celebrations at Halloween"
REPORT:
A number of initiatives were organised by the Council as part of a new approach towards celebrating Halloween in a fun and safe way. These included a Halloween celebration in North Clondalkin and a parade and celebration in Tallaght, Bulbs not Bonfire initative, free access to Civic Amenity, Ballymount, WEEE recycling opportunities throughout the County. The Council’s approach has been three pronged –
- Communication – promotion of the positive and negative aspects of Halloween to reduce the negative impacts
- Prevention and Reduction of bonfire material - actively preventing illegal bonfires by reducing the availability of material
- “THE HAUNTED” Celebration – providing and promoting organized events to include particiaption, learning and allowing communities a focus for celebration
For 2012 it was decided to adopt a new approach that would promote a new message of celebrating Halloween in a fun and safe way. “ THE HAUNTED” Halloween celebration was organized as a community participatory initiative aimed at building community capacity and providing a fun filled spectacle for families through the direct involvement of young people and their families. The events aim was to move away from the mixed message of the community bonfire while maintaining a focus for families and communities around which the Halloween celebrations could take place
A programme was developed with community arts groups that involved young people from Tallaght and Clondalkin in arts and performance workshops. In these workshops the young people learned the art of costume making and street performance. The workshops culminated in two events featuring pageant type music and dance displays, one in Tallaght and one in Clondalkin. These events showcased the new skills learned by the young people. In Tallaght 6 community groups were involved in the parade (Dizzy Footwork, Dominic's Community Centre, Tallaght Youth Theatre, St Mark’s Choir, Fettercairn Community Centre and Tallaght Youth Forum) with approximately 400 young people and families taking part in the parade.