Sandra McLellan (Cork East, Sinn Fein) | Oireachtas source

I agree with the Minister that Culture Night is extremely important but it is also important to build on it. If we are serious about ensuring a safe and enjoyable Hallowe'en , the Minister must provide the type of leadership that can ensure this important festival is celebrated in a way that is both safe and enjoyable. This means working with local community groups in urban and rural settings in a planned and managed way. I commend to the Minister an initiative that has proved very successful North of the Border where in recent years County Down's local authority has provided funding for eco-friendly bonfire beacons. These are steel pyramids built on sand and filled with willow woodchips. The beacons burn fiercely but safely for up to two hours significantly reducing clean-up costs and causing no environmental damage. Bonfire beacons have greatly reduced the negative impact of bonfires on local communities and proven hugely popular in towns and villages across County Down and beyond. Will the Minister consider looking at this initiative?

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