Clare Council has urged businesses across the county to abstain from supplying any waste material to Hallowe'en parties who do not hold a valid waste collection permit.

Clare County Council said in recent years the period had been used to illegally dispose of waste material on bonfires.

The uncontrolled burning of waste in bonfires is illegal under the Air Pollution Act (1987) and The Waste Management Acts (1996-2008). Such activity also releases toxic pollutants, which are known to be damaging to public health and the environment.

In 2007, Clare Fire Services answered 27 bonfire-related calls on 31st October and 1st November with an associated cost of over €16,000.

-- Advertisement --

Substantial costs were also incurred in removing bonfire waste materials and cleaning up after bonfires had taken place.

Adrian Kelly, Chief Fire Officer of Clare County Fire and Rescue Services, said: "Bonfires are often built close to houses and other property presenting risks to personal safety and property. I would like people to be aware of the fire safety hazards that arise from illegal bonfires, where the burning of highly combustible materials may lead to serious injuries or death."

He confirmed that Clare Local Authorities, in conjunction with waste enforcement staff, the Fire Service and An Garda Síochána, would closely monitor the situation around Clare in the period before and during Hallowe'en.

According to Ger Dollard, Director of Services of the Environment and Emergency Services, Clare County Council: "Businesses and members of the public are requested to desist from supplying any waste material to parties who do not have a valid waste collection permit. Dealing with waste material on any other basis is an offence and can result in prosecution."

Mr Dollard added: "There are significant risks arising from such bonfires, including the illegal nature of the activity, the adverse effects on the local community and the negative effects on the general environment."

(PR/JM)