COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF TALLAGHT AREA COMMITTEE

Monday, September 22, 2025

MOTION NO. 2

MOTION: Councillor M. Duff

"That this Area Committee calls on the Manager, in an effort to prevent bonfires, to ensure addition resources are available to the Enforcement Section before Halloween, to ensure businesses and private citizens are storing securely, all bonfire materials, particularly in the Industrial Estates of Cookstown, Broomhill, Hibernian and Greenhills Industrial Estates, and to provide a dedicated phone number to enable members of the Public to report stockpiles, in a timely manner?"

REPORT:

In recent years the Council has adopted a cross-departmental approach to Halloween using the resources that are required, working with Public Realm, Waste Enforcement, Environmental Awareness, Library Services, Housing and Community Services to prevent damage and promote the “Safe Halloween” message. Liaison with An Garda Síochána also forms part of this approach, ensuring that actions taken by both the Council and Gardaí are coordinated and effective. 

In terms of reporting stockpiles, the dedicated points of contact are the SDCC main line at 01 414 9000 during office hours, the out-of-hours emergency line at 01 457 4907, or alternatively by email to publicrealm@sdublincoco.ie. This system has worked well to date as it ensures that all reports are monitored, centralised and logged. During working hours reports of stockpiles are directed straight to the depot, while out-of-hours calls are passed to the District Parks Supervisor on call who can deploy a crew to remove the stockpile. This process provides a single, reliable point of contact and ensures a quick response.

In an effort to reduce injury to individuals, damage to property and the environment, South Dublin County Council write to businesses in the area reminding them of their obligations under the Waste Management Act 1996, as amended.  They shall be reminded to ensure that all material such as tyres, timber, pallets, bulky waste and other flammable waste, should be securely stored and not made available for use as bonfire material.  Failure to dispose of such material through an authorised waste collector may result in enforcement action being taken which could result in fines of up to €5,000 and/or 12 months imprisonment.

Householders also share the same responsibilities as business owners in relation to Waste Management. Should we receive reports of householders collecting stockpiles of material, enforcement action may be taken with the same resulting fines and/or imprisonment. 

Both Waste Enforcement Officers and Litter Wardens shall remain extra vigilant in order to enforce legislation where appropriate.