COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, March 19, 2014
MOTION NO. 18
MOTION: Councillor B. Bonner
Cathaoirleach's Business
That the Manager present a report on the spate of bonfires that has been happening in the green park area near the shopping centre and the Church in Sruleen. What is the frequency of these bonfires, what damage has been done to the green areas and what can be done by the Council, in collaboration with the Gardaí to address this problem.
REPORT:
A recent site inspection identified 8 locations on the open space opposite the shopping centre and the Church in Sruleen where bonfires have taken place. 3 of the bonfires were 1m2 in size, 3 bonfires were 3m2 in size and 2 bonfires were 4m2 in size. There was evidence that wheelie bins had been burnt at 7 of the sites, the 8th site being too old to determine what was burnt. The majority of bonfires occur late in the evenings or at weekends when staff have finished work for the day. Given the small size of the damaged areas and the presence of wheelie bin, the signs would indicate that bins are being stolen from properties in the area and brought onto the open space to be burnt.
The most effective way of addressing this issue is for residents to leave bins out on the morning of collection only and to store them in a secure location to prevent theft. In addition, residents who experience anti-social problems are encouraged to report incidents to the Gardaí who have the powers to enforce the law under the Criminal Justice Act.