COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL
MEETING OF CLONDALKIN AREA COMMITTEE
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
MOTION NO. 9
MOTION: Councillor F. Timmons
"That this committee ask SDCC to do something to combat illegal bonfires at entrance to Lindasfarne Estate that is happening repeatedly every year. ( Note Previous Motion for May 2016) That a report is brought to area meeting for discussion."
| 49865 | Councillor F. Timmons | Clondalkin Area Committee | Clondalkin Area Committee Meeting 21st September 2016 | Motions | 27/05/2016 |
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"That this commitee asks that the area at the entrance to Lindasfarne estate that has been used for bonfires yearly is upgraded and trees planted." |
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REPORT:
"A number of initiatives have been used over the years to combat the practice of illegal bonfires which are most prevalent around Halloween. Two examples are the ‘Official Bonfires’ and the ‘Bulbs not Bonfires’ scheme.
In 2006 the Council piloted the organisation of an 'official' bonfire at Letts Field in Clondalkin. The objective was to reduce the number of bonfires in the area, thus reducing the environmental damage while also providing a safe venue for families to come to celebrate Halloween. The impact of the 'official bonfire' did not result in reduced numbers of bonfires and was subsequently discontinued in 2011.
The Bulbs not Bonfires scheme was introduced in 2010 and rolled out through the Social Credit Scheme, in 2012. The scheme encourages communities to do something different at Halloween instead of a bonfire. Most recipients/groups organised Halloween clean ups, competitions, discos and resulted in the scheme providing communities with flowers in the Spring rather than scarred open space throughout the year.
The initiatives are designed to incentivise residents to take a proactive approach to the prevention of bonfires. It is found that where there is buy-in and support from local communities the chances of success are higher. Planting trees and landscaping an area in the hope of preventing bonfires is not a solution and is unlikely to work in this particular instance. In fact, it has been known for bonfires to be built around newly planted trees and given the history at this site, the chances of success are very low.
Halloween night occurs on Tuesday 31st October 2017. As in previous years, the Public Realm staff will be collecting bonfire material prior to Halloween night. Collection of material is carried out in conjunction with the Gardaí who provide assistance and guidance to prevent public order issues arising. Collections are prioritised based on the risk that the bonfire presents to utilities, infrastructure and homes. In the event that residents are unable to prevent a bonfire occurring at this location in 2017, they should contact the Council on 01-4149000 to report the presence of bonfire material and every effort will be made to collect it prior to it being set alight."