COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

South Dublin County Council Crest

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, September 22, 2014

QUESTION NO. 5

QUESTION: Councillor M. Genockey

To ask the Chief Executive to report on the council’s plans for family-focused celebrations of Halloween with a view to promoting community spirit in the county and to offer safe options for marking the holiday outside of illegal bonfires?

REPLY:

In 2014, the Council will promote and encourage a Safe Halloween with the objective of reducing injuries, environmental damage and the cost associated with this time of year.

As there was an approximate reduction of 21% in the number of bonfires in 2013 over 2012 it is therefore intended that the 2014 Halloween programme will be similar to that undertaken in 2013 and will be along the following lines: -

The campaign to reduce the availability of material for bonfires will continue. This will tackle a number of areas where material is traditionally sourced for bonfires. The waste and litter enforcement officers will be vigilant in locating materials hoarded and stored for bonfires and identified bonfire material in Parks and open spaces in the weeks prior to Halloween will be removed.

The "Bulbs not Bonfires" scheme will continue to be available through the Social Credits scheme rewarding groups who are actively involved in preventing bonfires with bulbs for planting throughout Halloween with the anticipation of Spring flowers.

Schools will receive a Halloween communication with details of the Halloween pack including information and activity sheets.

Halloween is a special event in the annual calendar and seasonal celebrations targeting different age groups are under consideration, subject to the limited resources available.

The Safe Halloween message will be reiterated through all of the Council's activities running up to the Halloween season. A communication campaign using social media, the Council's website and other local media is prepared to provide a constant reminder to the public of the joys and hazards of the season.