The news comes as An Garda Síochána and Dublin Fire Brigade are preparing for a busy night across the country for Halloween festivities tonight.
By midday on October 29, there had been 180 reports of bonfire materials made by the public to Dublin City Council’s citizen hub.
According to the council, they had a busy last 10 days across the waste management section, working alongside Gardaí and Dublin Fire Brigade to remove stockpiled bonfire material, including multiple pallets, tyres and more.
In the process of removing stockpiles, roughly 450 tonnes of material was confiscated, a larger amount than was taken away last year when just over 440 tonnes was collected.
An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council are advising people to be safe and sensible.
The council is asking people to only attend organised events as unregulated bonfires can contain hazardous materials, such as car tyres, gas cylinders, aerosol cans, oils, plastics and household rubbish.
The smoke from these types of fires is extremely toxic and can cause complications for people already suffering from breathing problems.
A spokesperson for Dublin City Council said bonfire numbers have been “trending downwards” in recent years, partly due to a “well attended events plan”.
“Waste Management Services can confirm that up until October 29, 450 Tonnes of bonfire materials have been confiscated and 180 public reports through Citizenhub have been received,” they said.
“In late August, the Halloween response group was set up to provide a safer Halloween and reduce the amount and severity of bonfires across Dublin.
“The group is a collaboration between a number of Dublin City Council departments including Dublin Fire Brigade and with the support of An Garda Síochána when needed.
“Resources and fleet are assigned by internal departments to safely collect stockpiled material, much of which is hidden in local neighbourhoods.
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“This year, Waste Management Services increased our ‘on call’ collection window by two days.
“Local Area Offices have also been working hard on both identifying and arranging collections of stockpiles and organising structured Halloween events across the city to support a safer night for all.”
Gardaí are also asking people to keep a few key points in mind this Halloween.
First, it’s important to respect that “not everyone in our community will be participating”, so be considerate of those who may prefer a quieter evening.
For those out trick-or-treating, children should be accompanied by an adult, and it’s safest to stay in well-lit areas or wear reflective clothing.
Gardaí also warned against any potential vandalism, such as “throwing things like eggs and flour as this may be classed as criminal damage.
Operation Tombola, the Gardaí’s national Halloween initiative, aims to “prevent and detect the sale of fireworks and associated public order and anti-social behaviour issues”.
With many people on the roads during Halloween, Gardaí are also urging drivers to slow down and use extra caution as “small children will be out on the roads”.
