Halloween bonfires need to be put out permanently

TD for Dublin South West Seán Crowe has said that those who say that bonfires are a tradition should consider the harm that these fires cause to the local communities our green spaces, and environment particularly when they are used as a poor excuse to get rid of household waste, including old mattresses. Teachta Crowe was speaking after seeing the destruction caused by one particular Hallowe’en bonfire in Kilnamanagh.
 
Teachta Crowe said “The bonfire in Kilnamanagh between Redwood and Parkhill Estates recently caused serious damage to the green space there. Shopping trolleys tyres, mattresses and garden waste had been dumped on it just to add to the eyesore it now presents to local residents.
 
“Both myself and SDCC Cllr Niamh Whelan have been in contact with council services to get the green space as best they can but, at this time of year, the community is going to be left with burnt blackened eyesore area that will be scarred until the spring.
 
“And that’s not even touching on the dangers that these fires can pose to those nearby and the surrounding area if they spread out of control. Petrol and other accelerants are used by some with no consideration to the resulting risk.
 
“This particular bonfire was constructed, if you could even call it that, beside an ESB pylon. It was spread out over a huge area. The last thing anyone want to see is broken cables falling to the ground sparking and posing extreme risk to life or cutting off power to business or entire estates.
 
“I heard those voices who claim that bonfires are somehow traditional, fun and should be tolerated and encouraged. What we are seeing on our green spaces is downright dangerous for local houses and those who participate.
 
“In another part of Tallaght, a girl lost her eyesight in one eye and may lose her eyesight altogether after a vape was thrown into a bonfire. “These bonfires also pose a threat to first responders who have no idea what cannisters or accelerants are buried in the fire.
 
“Bonfires need to become a thing of the past like they have in many other areas. The damage they inflict and the fear they produce for   locals both young and old is clear for all to see. They need to be eliminated, and alternatives produced for Hallowe’en and other occasions.