Zero-tolerance approach urged over illegal bonfires

There have been calls for a zero-tolerance approach to illegal bonfires in Cork City ahead of a special briefing by emergency services in a bonfire hotspot today.

Members of the gardaí and fire service will host an Emergency Services Interactive Day in Clashduv Park, Togher, at 2pm. The event has been organised in response to difficulties experienced in Deanrock Estate last year with the lighting of unsupervised bonfires and the hampering of emergency services in dealing with these bonfires.

Fine Gael councillor John Buttimer said there should be zero tolerance of illegal bonfires outside of designated city council events in the run-up to the city’s traditional bonfire night celebrations on June 23.

“City council officials and local gardaí should be able to remove material being hoarded for bonfires without being threatened or blocked by adults or children,” said Mr Buttimer.

Local communities must assert responsibility and take ownership of their own areas. “People who light illegal bonfires get the material from local people; this must be stopped,” said Mr Butimer. “Social pressure is one of the most powerful tools that we can use to stop this outdated activity.”

Last year, an illegal bonfire was lit close to the Togher Family Centre, posing a serious risk to the building and to nearby homes.

Firefighters had to wait for garda backup before they could tackle the blaze.

Mr Buttimer said this is unacceptable. “I hope a positive outcome of today’s event will be increased awareness amongst children of the work done by the emergency services,” he said.

City officials have encouraged people not to donate material to groups organising bonfires, and to report locations where bonfire material is being hoarded.

The city council will run several family-focused bonfire activities on June 23.