How to have a great (and safe) Halloween

COMMUNITY festivals across the Northside will be the highlights of Dublin City Council’s festive events this Halloween.

The city’s Lord Mayor, Naoise Ã? Muirí, said these events are open all the family and are great ways to celebrate Halloween in a safe environment.

“Dublin City Council has worked closely with local communities to organise events and activities to keep children and young people entertained throughout the Halloween period,

? he said.

“Our message is to enjoy the occasion and stay away from illegal fireworks and bonfires.

?

The public can assist the city council by reporting any issues regarding the stockpiling of bonfire materials to its litter hotline on 1800251 500 or online at www.dublincity.ie

The Kilbarrack Coast Community Programme/Youth Matters, in conjunction with a number of local community groups, are organising a Halloween event on October 31 that includes a fancy dress party for children in Scoil Eoin from 3.30pm to 6.30pm.

This will be followed by a fireworks display at Roseglen football pitch at 7pm, which is being organised and funded by Dublin City Council with support from KCCP/Youth Matters.

The Donaghmede Estate Residents’ Association is also planning a Halloween event on October 31 at Donaghmede Park. This will include a fireworks display at 7.30pm which is being organised and funded by Dublin City Council with support from DERA.

In Edenmore the Safety Association for Edenmore in conjunction with a number of local community groups, are organising a Halloween event on October 31 that includes a party for families and children in St Monica’s Youth Centre, Tonlegee Road, from 6pm – 7.30pm.

There will be a Fancy Dress Parade from St. Monica’s Youth Centre at 7.30pm (via Woodbine Road) to Edenmore Crescent Park where a fireworks display will take place at 8pm.

And in Darndale on Wednesday 31 from 3pm-7pm there will be music in the Recreation Hall from 3pm-5pm.

Meanwhile, Dublin Fire Brigade’s Halloween Safety Campaign is being run in conjunction with Dublin Bus, the gardai and the DSPCA.

It is aimed at educating children on the dangers of illegal bonfires and fireworks.

Dublin Fire Brigade are asking Dubliners, young and old alike, to do everything they can to

‘Be Safe – Stay Safe’ this Halloween to ensure that everyone can enjoy the celebrations in a safe environment.

A Halloween Safety Pack containing leaflets and posters has been sent to primary schools in Dublin. There is also a safety DVD made by Dublin Fire Brigade available for viewing at the below address.

“Bonfires and fireworks at Halloween are extremely dangerous and can cause a lot of injuries and damage,

? the Lord Mayor said.

“Every year Dublin Fire Brigade, Emergency Ambulance and Rescue Service see hundreds of lives put at risk.

“Hopefully most Dubliners will never need the services of Dublin Fire Brigade. It is the responsibility of each person to cooperate with our firefighters and it is vital that everyone in the community plays their part in the Be Safe – Stay Safe programme. Most of all we want people to have an enjoyable and memorable Halloween.”

Meanwhile, TRACS (Tyre Recovery Activity Compliance Scheme) is asking Dubliners not to request waste tyres from tyre shops this Halloween.

It is also asking retailers to ensure that their waste tyres are dealt with responsibly.

“Providing waste tyres to be used on bonfires is against industry best practice, is illegal, and pollutes the air we breathe,

? said Fiacra Quinn, Director.

“It is also dangerous for those in close proximity to the fire and can cause cancer.

?