Bonfire night to see extra patrols

Gardaí are to mount extra patrols in Cork City next Saturday in an attempt to quell any trouble sparked by bonfire night celebrations.

Cork City Council workers will also be on duty to monitor organised bonfires around the city and to remove material that may be used for unauthorised fires.

Superintendent Barry McPolin said extra Garda patrols would be mounted and they would also escort emergency services to the scene of unauthorised fires.

City Manager Tim Lucey said that five major events were planned by the city council that would also feature sports, bouncing castles, face painting and music.

These will take place at Kilmore Park, Knocknaheeny (5pm-8pm); Pophams Park, Farranree (4pm-7pm); Glenamoy Park, Mayfield (5pm-8pm); Loughmahon Park, Mahon (6pm-9pm) and Clashduv Park, Togher (5pm-9pm).

Mr Lucey said particular emphasis has been placed on local groups and clubs participating in these projects.

Support is also being given to other events being organised at Willow Park, Glencurrig, Ballincurrig, all in Bishopstown and at Kerryhall Road.

There are also events at Shandon Street and the Glen Resource Centre.

“The council’s parks department, as in previous years, will endeavour to remove (unauthorised) bonfire material where possible. But in recent years much of the material is hoarded securely until the actual night itself. Priority will be given to removing material where there is a risk to health and safety, property, power lines etc,” the city manager said.