Bonfire Incentive Scheme reduces material burnt

Of the 15 traditional bonfire sites within the Borough in July, five sites signed up to the Bonfire Incentive Scheme for 2010.

During a recent Health and Environmental Services Committee meeting, the report explained: ‘A bonfire incentive scheme was introduced this year in an attempt to encourage further improvements in bonfire management in terms of public safety and environmental damage. Of the 15 traditional bonfire sites within the Borough in July, five sites signed up to the scheme. Those that signed up agreed to building ‘their’ fire inside a cage structure and prohibit certain materials from being included on the fire.

‘Despite a number of cage sections not being recovered following the burns, the scheme has reduced the overall tonnage of material to be disposed of following these events - 111.50t in July 2007, 52.4t in July 2008, 59.9t in July 2009 and 47.06t in July 2010.

‘Members noted that the July 2010 figure excludes material from the Lislagan site.’

It was also revealed: ‘DRD Roads Service has agreed to reimburse Council regarding all costs incurred at the Finvoy site but has yet to confirm that this will include that from Lislagan. Over the last three years both these sites have accounted for approximately 50% of overall clean-up costs. Of those sites on Council owned land, two have seen a marked increase in material left after the burn. Neither participated in this year’s scheme. These sites will be targeted for inclusion in next year’s scheme.

‘The budget provided by Council for clean up this year has been expended. A moratorium on further spend has been put on all works until agreement is reached with DRD Roads Service for the recoupment of costs.

‘It is worthy of note that of those that did participate, these sites are being referred to as models of best practice with many enquiries being received from neighbouring authorities, and other Government Departments. The Bonfire Sub-Group has considered the incentive scheme and made minor amendments in the light of experience gained in July to include alternatives to bonfires in advance of those traditionally held at the end of October.’

The Director during the ensuing discussion advised that presently Roads Service had indicated that they would not pay for the clearance of Lislagan.

Members noted that no further clearance work would be done meantime and that the extent of the work and its likely cost would be reassessed following Halloween.