In the run up to Hallowe’en, Gardai are advising children and teenagers to be aware of the serious dangers associated with using fireworks.
Each year many young people suffer terrible injuries caused by fireworks, including burns, loss of limbs and serious eye injuries. Aside from the risk of injury, fireworks can cause great distress to elderly residents. They can set off intruder alarms, causing unnecessary extra demands on Garda resources.
Gardai are asking parents to be responsible in ensuring their children do not cause injury to either themselves or others on Hallowe’en night. If parents discover their children have possession of fireworks or bangers they should take the fireworks from them.
ANIMAL WELFARE
Limerick Animal Welfare (LAW), who have a shelter in Kilfinane, warned of the negative effects fireworks have on pets. They said cats and dogs especially, are acutely aware of sounds, the loud noise from fireworks frighten them and this can cause pets to bolt.
To keep pets safe, owners should be vigilant and keep them inside on Hallowe’en night and the days surrounding it.
ILLEGAL
The sale, possession and use of fireworks are illegal in Ireland. It is also illegal to possess any fireworks that may have been legally purchased outside of the jurisdiction and then brought into the state. Many of the fireworks that are offered for sale illegally here have not passed any quality control tests and are possibly defective.
The only exception to these laws is where a ‘professional’ type firework display is authorised under a permit.
