Westmeath County Council has requested residents to consider alternative forms of celebration to the traditional bonfire, in the wake of residents of housing estates in Mullingar imposing a ban on bonfires to celebrate Hallowe’en.
A statement from Westmeath County Council noted that while traditionally bonfires burned wood and straw, in recent times some individuals are using Hallowe’en bonfires as an opportunity to dispose of waste illegally. “Waste material should not be provided by householders for the purpose of burning in bonfires. Under law it is prohibited to give your waste to any individual who does not hold a current and valid waste collection permit. As we approach Hallowe’en, we see everything from tyres and lawnmowers to sofas and glass bottles heaped up on our open spaces, ready for the big night,” read the statement.
Westmeath residents have been urged by the local authority to spare a thought for health and the local environment. “We all have greater obligations as regards the protection of our environment. In the lead up to Halloween, Westmeath County Council requests everyone to be safe and vigilant during the festivities, and reminds householders of the health and environmental impacts of burning bonfires. Nobody likes to be a party pooper or engage in scaremongering, but every year we see everything and anything piled up for bonfire night. Some of these items give out dangerous toxins when burned, which can cause serious health problems such as bronchitis, asthma, respiratory illness, and cancer. Children and older people are most at risk from these potential pollutants,” the statement from the local authority continued.
Burning waste on an open bonfire or at home in a back yard means uncontrolled burning at low temperatures, which is responsible for releasing dioxins into the air. Almost 73 per cent of the dioxins emitted to air in Ireland come from outdoor burning. Tyres in particular, commonly used as fuel in bonfires, are one of the most polluting materials when burned. The application of chemicals in the manufacturing process, makes tyres a very dangerous product once heat is applied. They contain many chemicals which produce toxic fumes during combustion.
Further information on the burning of waste is available from Westmeath County Council's Environmental Section, telephone 1890 320005 or visit www.westmeathcoco.ie
