Wicklow County Council is advising the public to celebrate Halloween – safely. The Council is also reminding residents that it will not clean up after bonfires in their estates.
Halloween is one of Ireland’s oldest traditions and allows us to celebrate the arrival of longer darker evenings. It is a time that all of us should be able to enjoy and celebrate, particularly children who get to experience being out in the dark and exploring their imagination with ghosts and ghouls.
Unfortunately, some events lead to mayhem, damage and risk of injury.
Bonfires may have had some tradition but the modern practice of burning all types of waste and very dry wooden pallets, often with use of fireworks and outdoor drinking, is far removed from what was a traditional event. The modern bonfire creates fear in the community, damages public recreational areas, causes injury and harm and puts excessive pressure on our emergency services.
Wicklow County Council is reminding the public that bonfires and the burning of waste is illegal. Businesses or householders who give waste for bonfires can be prosecuted for the environmental damage caused. Wicklow Council will prosecute for illegal waste management wherever sufficient evidence is gathered.
Mr Brian Gleeson, Chief Executive, Wicklow County Council, said: “Every year illegal bonfires destroy areas of public open space, with some causing personal injury and others threatening property. It is the busiest night of the year for all our emergency services, who dedicate themselves to protecting communities, the people who ensure we all have safety and access to medical care.”
Wicklow County Council is reminding residents in estates that it will not clean up after a bonfire. Where people allow a bonfire in their area, and where they get involved in building one, they must take responsibility and clean up after themselves.
Also of concern during Hallowe’en is the use of fireworks and bangers. The use of bangers in particular causes distress to all animals.
Cllr Tommy Annesley, Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, asked the public to refrain from using fireworks and bangers saying that “the use of fireworks is strictly illegal and can cause immense stress to pets and to older people. It is unfair to subject people and animals to weeks of fear and anxiety. Each year illegal fireworks cause multiple injuries to people using low-quality products without due care. Let’s celebrate without causing fear.”
There are now a diverse range of events available countywide to celebrate Hallowe’en including food events, spine-tingling forest trails, spooky venues like Wicklow Gaol, Halloween Balls to dress up, music events, and farm and pumpkin patch events. There are events to suit all age groups and all tastes.
Let’s have fun this Halloween and make it a festival that all can enjoy. It doesn’t need to be memorable as the busiest night of the year for our first responders and our hospitals. It should be fun but safe.