SDCC launches Bulbs not Bonfires initiative for Halloween season

South Dublin County Council has launched Bulbs not Bonfires 2021, an initiative to encourage people to plant bulbs instead of building bonfires on open green spaces this autumn.

The council will provide bulbs to communities or groups who wish to plant spring flowers, such as daffodils, snowdrops and alliums.

Independent Clondalkin councillor Francis Timmons says the project is a “welcome initiative.”

“I am delighted that SDCC have launched Bulbs not Bonfires 2021.

“This is a great initiative and I advise all community and residents groups to apply.

“Every year our green spaces are destroyed by bonfires, this is a welcome relief.

“I would however ask that anyone having a bonfire keep them to one area and be safe and only use wood for the fire.

“Please be careful and safe.’’

The Bulbs not Bonfire initiative has been running for several years now with the council saying it has played a role in reducing the number of annual fires.

“Every year we encourage residents of the county to look after their environment at Halloween by providing communities with bulbs to plant for lovely spring flowers instead of a scarred open space as the result of a bonfire.

“We are also delighted to announce we will be giving out a mixture of pollinator friendly bulbs.

“Bags of bulbs include Crocus, Muscari, Alliums, Snowdrops & Daffodils.”

The local authority says it wants people to tell it where they want to plant the bulbs before they get distributed.

“This year we want to map where pollinator bulbs are planted.

“To help us track this we have introduced a simple application form where applicants are requested to submit details of their project and attach a photo to let us know where the bulbs will be planted,” it said.

“Bulbs not Bonfires is a reward in the council’s social credits scheme.

“This scheme rewards community groups for undertaking local pro-environmental/ non bonfire orientated Halloween activities and projects.

“Community groups, environmental groups, resident associations, and schools can apply.”

Application forms can be found on the South Dublin County Council website and the deadline for submissions is Friday, October 15 at 5pm.