Festivals and not bonfires, council urges

Fire brigade units across the country were active from early yesterday evening in an attempt to control the large number of illegal bonfires in cities and towns.

The Dublin Fire Service said all its units were out attending bonfires from 6pm, with stations receiving constant calls from concerned residents. However, there were no major incidents of property damage and few fires had to be extinguished, a fire service spokesman said.

Dublin City Council organised community Halloween festivals and firework displays in an attempt to discourage large bonfires on green spaces.

Some 350 illegal bonfires were lit in the city last year, many burning highly toxic flammable materials such as plastics, old couches and mattresses. The council spent more than €500,000 on the bonfire clean-up operation in the days following Halloween.

"Dealing with the bonfires is a hugely onerous task for the council and for all the other local authorities. We're hoping this year that we can reduce the cost of cleaning up the mess they leave behind," a council spokesman said.

Workers from the council's parks and landscape division, the waste management division and the housing maintenance division spent yesterday dismantling illegal bonfires.

The council was happy to sponsor community events such as fancy dress parades and firework displays, he said.

"We don't condone bonfires. Not only because of the toxic fumes but because of the management issues, such as making sure there is safe ingress and egress and having enough stewards present to manage the event. The whole thrust is towards community-based events that can be enjoyed safely by everyone."

Finglas had its first Halloween festival this year organised by the council. A fancy dress parade was followed by a fireworks display at Erin's Isle GAA club. Elvis abseiled down the Clarke tower in Ballymun to attend the dance there, while fancy dress parties were held in community centres across the city.