COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

Monday, October 11, 2021

MOTION NO. 12

MOTION: Councillor L. O'Toole

This committee requests that the Chief Executive makes a change to the councils annual 'bulbs not bonfire' system, when possible (noting the timing of this motion) by replacing the daffodils bulbs (which are not pollinating friendly) with pollinating friendly bulbs, which will add to the progress already started on our pollinating policy.

REPORT:

Bulbs not Bonfires is a reward provided through South Dublin County Council’s Social Credits Scheme, the scheme rewards community groups for undertaking local pro-environmental / non bonfire orientated Halloween activities and projects. Community groups, environmental groups, resident associations, and schools can apply. Every year the Council encourages residents of the county to look after their local environment at Halloween by providing communities with bulbs to plant which will bring spring flowers instead of a scarred open space as the result of a bonfire.

Following feedback received in 2020 the Council is this year providing bags of mixed pollinator bulbs (Crocus, Muscari, Alliums and Snowdrops) for the Bulbs not Bonfires campaign. Daffodil bulbs will also be included in the bags of bulbs, as they come up early in spring and therefore act as markers for grass cutting staff when mowing around the planted areas.

This year the Council wishes to map where pollinator bulbs are planted. To help us track this we have introduced a simple application form where applicants are requested to submit details of their project and attach a photo to let us know where the bulbs will be planted.  Applications should be submitted to envawareness@sdublincoco.ie by 5pm on Friday 15th October to receive bulbs.  Applications will be dealt with on a first come first served rule.