DUBLINERS OF all ages have been asked to stay smart and play safe this Halloween by avoiding illegal fireworks and bonfires.
Dublin City Council and Dublin Fire Brigade yesterday issued a joint appeal calling on the public to enjoy Halloween in a secure environment.
They said people should steer clear of bonfires and fireworks, which cause serious injuries and cause costly damage to property.
Lord Mayor Cllr Emer Costello said Halloween should be a time for celebration, but had instead become a particularly difficult occasion for emergency services.
“People should respect the fire brigade and allow them to do their work and not be interfered with. They have a difficult job, which is made all the more difficult with hoax calls and bonfires at this time of year,” she said.
Emergency services in Dublin were stretched to their limits last Halloween, with Dublin Fire Service called out to 800 incidents and the ambulance service receiving about 500 calls.
A number of gardaí and fire officers were injured while they dealt with public order issues and attended fires, which prompted former lord mayor Eibhlin Byrne to call for mandatory sentences for anyone who attacks a member of the emergency services.
Cllr Costello said the bill for cleaning up illegal bonfires in Dublin was more than €1 million last year – a waste at a time when funds were at a premium.
In order to avoid a repeat, Dublin City Council has asked people concerned about the stockpiling of materials for bonfires in their community to contact them on 1800 251500 or to e-mail waste.management@dublincity.ie.
The city council has also arranged Halloween events in Kilbarrack, Finglas, Ringsend, Dublin North Central, Ballymun and Coolock to try to keep young people away from illegal bonfires in their communities. Further information on www.dublincity.ie
