DCC stops Halloween skip service aimed at reducing number of bonfires

A decision by Dublin City Council to remove the annual skip service for areas in the southside of the city during Halloween has been met with criticism from local councillors.

The service was introduced a number of years ago in an attempt to reduce the number of bonfires constructed in the lead up to Halloween.

“This service has proved invaluable in recent years,” says Sinn Fein councillor Daithí Doolan.

“It was put in place as a response to people leaving tables, chairs and other bonfire material out on roads.

“The skips have greatly reduced bonfires in our parks in Ballyfermot, Drimnagh and Crumlin.”

However, the local authority says it is not rolling out the service this year citing an increase in illegal dumping.

“A decision was made last year that we would no longer provide a Skip service in the run up to Halloween,” a council spokesperson said.

“Last year we saw widespread illegal dumping of waste associated with the community skip service both before and after the skip was placed on site.

“In some instances cars and vans were arriving from outside the area to dispose of waste for free at these locations and there was also evidence of commercial waste disposal.”

The council also says that the potential risk of a party being injured while using the skip service made the authority vulnerable to legal action.

“There are significant health and safety issues around community groups managing the sites on the day without appropriate risk assessments, thus exposing the council to significant insurance risk and associated claims liability,” it says.

“Dublin City Council must also consider polluter pays principle for all services provided.”

However, councillor Doolan says the decision increases the risk of bonfires being built in communities.

“Dublin City Council are attempting to withdraw the annual skip service this Halloween across Dublin South Central.

“The withdrawal of this service is a hugely regressive step,” Doolan says.

“This decision is shortsighted and only exposes communities to further anti social behaviour.

“I hope common sense prevails and city council continue this essential service over Halloween.