South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is delighted to launch its Halloween Safety and Environmental Awareness Campaign 2018. This year, to raise awareness and encourage our citizens to stay safe, the Council has published a colourful information leaflet providing facts and tips on how to stay safe at Halloween. The leaflet also contains details of the various family events hosted by SDCC’s Libraries. Members of the public can find information on incentives offered by SDCC to avoid damage to community open spaces as a result of illegal bonfires. “Bulbs Not Bonfires” is a reward available through the Council’s innovative Social Credits Scheme. This initiative provides communities with flowers in the spring in return for organising alternative Halloween activities which will not harm the environment.
A free pass to Ballymount Civic Amenity Centre will be provided to every Social Credit applicant / group from 16th October to encourage recycling, one pass allows one entry for one car and will be valid until 13th November 2018. Speaking about Halloween, Mayor of SDCC, Cllr Mark Ward said “Halloween is about having fun but we must also remember the hazards associated with the celebrations. We can all work together to make it a safer time for everyone by not contributing to illegal bonfires which are an unnecessary burden on our busy Emergency Services, An Garda Síochána and SDCC Staff. A huge amount of money is spent every year on cleaning up after these bonfires, this money could go a long way towards making positive changes in our communities.”
Mayor Ward is inviting children to take part in the many events taking place throughout the County over Halloween. SDCC Libraries have a wonderful line-up of Halloween events for children of all ages and there is something for everyone. Check out the Harry Potter Sorting Ceremony, our Halloween STEM Workshop or one of the other spookily themed activities! SDCC encourages all our citizens to get into the ‘spirit’ and above all STAY SAFE AND ENJOY HALLOWEEN !!!!