Dangerous Bonfires in Northway Estate

I have called for urgent action against businesses that are failing to control their waste properly in the north Finglas area, in a letter to Fingal County Council, as pallets and other wooden packaging are being left unsecured outside premises in an industrial estate, resulting in a surge of dangerous bonfires in the community.

Businesses have clear duties under the Waste Management Act to keep their waste secure, but many are failing to adhere to this at present. I asked the Council to write to every business in the estate and to use its enforcement powers where necessary, to bring the matter under control.

Recently, there have been a number of dangerous bonfires in parts of north Finglas that have been fuelled by unsecure waste from businesses in a nearby industrial estate. The fires are damaging to the surrounding area and have destroyed areas of a public park that should be there for local families to enjoy.

Businesses have a responsibility to ensure that their waste is secure, and Fingal County Council also have an obligation to enforce this measure. I have written to the local authority to urge that enforcement must take place as a matter of urgency, especially given the time of year and proximity to Halloween.

In previous years, the joint collaboration between Dublin City Council, Fingal County Council and An Garda Síochána has resulted in a reduction of fires and we now need to see the same approach this year, as fires have started even earlier than expected.