Dublin City Council aims to stamp out bonfires before they’re lit this Halloween
Dublin City Council is urging the public to help keep everyone safe this Halloween following record fire brigade callouts in 2024.
A special ‘bonfire materials’ hotline has been opened urging citizens to report any rubbish piles they find to help stop large illegal bonfires on October 31. Last year saw the Dublin Fire Brigade answer 494 emergency callouts around the city, up from 244 in 2023.
This marked the fire service’s busiest year in a decade as they tended to dangerous bonfires, fireworks being thrown at people, and public property being set alight. An interactive map released by the Dublin Fire Brigade last year revealed that these instances were spread across the entire city centre and beyond.
Lord Mayor of Dublin Councillor Ray McAdam commented on the importance of the public assisting the Council in pre-emptively stopping dangerous bonfires: “Halloween should be a time of celebration and community, not danger and destruction. Illegal bonfires pose serious risks to public safety, property, and the environment.”
“I urge everyone to play their part by reporting stockpiling and choosing to celebrate Halloween safely and responsibly. A quick call or online report can help prevent injuries and protect our neighbourhoods. Let’s work together to keep our city safe and festive for all ages,” he said.
The Council has crews available out-of-hours to assist with the removal of bonfire materials, in coordination with An Garda Síochána. While Dublin Fire Brigade cannot accept reports of stockpiled materials, they are also working to raise awareness and reduce injuries caused by bonfires and fireworks.
Although high-hazard fireworks are illegal for general use in the Republic of Ireland, they are commonly obtained online, or in Northern Ireland, and their association with Halloween has led to terrible injuries among children and adults. A serious attack in 2024 involved a gang of around twelve individuals hurling missiles, fireworks, and other debris at a Garda van in Darndale.
To address the ongoing issue of fireworks at Halloween, Minister Jim O’Callaghan launched a nationwide campaign to raise awareness. This campaign emphasises the physical danger and emotional distress caused by illegal fireworks, the use of which can result in fines of up to €10,000 and five years’ imprisonment.
“While Halloween can be an enjoyable time for our communities, we also know the distress the use of illegal fireworks can cause around this time of year. Often people who buy and use illegal fireworks don’t fully consider the harmful effect they can have in their local areas and on their neighbours, “ Minister O’Callaghan stated.
“This campaign - and the penalties people face for misusing fireworks - show how seriously we take this kind of behaviour. I am urging people to think hard before they use fireworks this year. I am asking people to consider those who are indirectly impacted by their actions over the Halloween period.”
Greg O’Dwyer, Assistant Chief Fire Officer of Dublin Fire Brigade, also warned of the dangers of fireworks, and urged people to only attend officially organised events this Halloween. He highlighted the "horrific injuries" Dublin Fire Brigade Firefighters and paramedics have had to deal with over the years.
“These injuries can occur by fireworks going off in some young person’s pocket, severely burning their leg, or exploding in their hands, causing disfigurement to their fingers, or even as projectiles from bonfires, striking them in the face, and causing serious facial and eye injuries. These types of injuries are all potentially life-changing, or even worse,” Mr. O’Dwyer stated.
Those wishing to report ‘bonfire materials’ online can do so on Dublin City Council ’s Citizen Hub: citizenhub.dublincity.ie or by calling 222 2222 during office hours or 679 6186 outside office hours.
This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme