COMHAIRLE CONTAE ÁTHA CLIATH THEAS
SOUTH DUBLIN COUNTY COUNCIL

MEETING OF RATHFARNHAM / TEMPLEOGUE / FIRHOUSE / BOHERNABREENA AREA COMMITTEE

Tuesday, January 13, 2026

MOTION NO. 5

MOTION: Councillor E. Murphy

That this area committee invests in preventative measures and restorative measures in the green areas and recreational areas that have been destroyed as a result of Halloween bonfires and anti-social behaviour.

REPORT:

In 2025, SDCC Public Realm Operations have identified a total of 192 Halloween Bonfires sites across the county, of which, 14 sites are located in the Rathfarnham/Templeogue/ Firehouse/Bohernabreena Local Electoral Area.  The bonfires have resulted in extensive damage to grass areas and public facilities. The waste has been removed from the sites and repairs are ongoing, with full repair works at some locations delayed due to seasonal/ground conditions.

The Council adopts 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. 

SDCC continues to engage with local communities by providing information and opportunities for alternate and a safe way to celebrate Halloween. Initiatives include

• Bulbs not bonfires initiative where resident groups are provided with flowering bulbs to plant in their estate to promote pride in their green areas.
• Social media posts advising risk of bonfires to environment and personal safety.
• SDCC operates Mattress and WEEE amnesty in August and September to provide disposal of waste which frequently is found illegally dumped or burnt on bonfires.
• In 2025 SDCC’s Samhain and Halloween events held across the County provided creative and fun events for families, including costumes swaps, creepy crafts, silent discos, spooky science, and Storytime sessions across SDCC Libraries. SDCC will continue to work into 2026 to develop fun, creative, and family friendly Halloween events for the whole community.

Unfortunately, there is still a likely requirement for dealing with the collection/stockpiling of Halloween Material. In order to prevent the availability of bonfire material,

• SDCC provides contact details for the public to report locations of suspected bonfire material. In the weeks prior to Halloween, SDCC crews, in conjunction with local Gardaí, arrange for the collection of the stockpiled material and ensure its correct disposal.
• SDCC write to business owners reminding them of their obligations under the Waste Management Act for the correct safe storage and disposal of waste. As required, Waste Enforcement carry out further inspections to ensure compliance with the act.

As always, SDCC Public Realm Operations are available to work with the elected members to identify additional or alternate methods to help reduce the occurrence of bonfires and the resulting damage.