COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, November 28, 2022

QUESTION NO. 1

QUESTION: Councillor M. Duff

Could the Manager make a report to this Area Committee as to the cost of removing Bonfire materials in advance of Halloween and to indicate the cost of the cleanup of Bonfire sites in the Tallaght Area

REPLY:

The collection of bonfire materials commenced in September and as in other years the majority of material stockpiles which were intercepted were removed by Public Realm staff in the two week period prior to Halloween itself.  There were 184 bonfires recorded this year which is very similar to the number in 2021 (180), and this is in keeping with the major reduction on the numbers from previous years (280 in 2020).  While the number of bonfires is up very slightly the tonnage of materials collected is down on 2021.  The tonnage of material collected by the Council prior to Halloween was 283 tonnes (332 tonnes in 2021) and the tonnage collected afterwards was 296 tonnes (276 tonnes in 2021).  Total tonnage collected in 2022 is 579 tonnes compared to 608 tonnes in 2021.  It is not possible to provide information on costs as yet as all costs have not yet been accounted for, however it is expected that the overall cost will be down slightly on the 2021 cost which was €155,000.  It should also be noted that reinstatement of bonfire sites where needed will not take place until spring 2023 as ground conditions are not currently suitable.