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A nationwide awareness campaign has been launched by the Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Browne TD, to warn against the serious dangers posed by illegal fireworks and the strict penalties for their misuse.
The campaign, launched in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, Foróige, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and the Dublin Fire Brigade, aims to highlight the severe penalties for the possession and misuse of illegal fireworks. Fines of up to €10,000 and up to five years’ imprisonment apply for anyone found with fireworks intending to sell or supply them, or if convicted of throwing an ignited firework at a person or property.
Minister Browne emphasised the dangers associated with illegal fireworks:
“While Halloween can and should be an enjoyable, exciting time for children, teenagers and their families, we all know the misery that fireworks and bangers can cause the elderly and the vulnerable. Fireworks have a terrible impact on Guide and Assistance Dogs, family pets, animals and livestock, given their heightened senses of hearing and smell. This is without even considering the serious physical and often life-changing danger posed by illegal fireworks to not only those who use them, but also innocent bystanders.”
The Department of Justice’s annual Fireworks Awareness Raising Campaign focuses on informing the public about the risks associated with illegal fireworks and their harmful effects on the community. This year’s campaign continues to emphasise these dangers, especially the physical harm and emotional distress they cause, alongside the penalties for misuse.
In efforts to combat the illegal fireworks trade, An Garda Síochána has intensified its operations under Operation Tombola, focusing on the importation, sale, and distribution of illegal fireworks. Inspector Ciaran Nunan, Garda National Community Engagement Bureau, stated:
“An Garda Síochána target the supply of illegal or unlicensed fireworks under ‘Operation Tombola.’ Those that attempt to profit from the sale of illegal fireworks by putting them into the hands of those that are not licensed to safely use them are proactively targeted by Gardaí nationwide – the fireworks are seized so as to prevent anti-social behaviour and dangerous incidents including possible injury and we will prosecute those responsible.”
The campaign also focuses on the impact fireworks have on animals and the environment. Chief Fire Officer of Dublin Fire Brigade, Dennis Keeley, spoke about the harmful effects on the environment, stating:
“Each year, the misuse of fireworks causes life-changing injuries and leaves tremendous hardship and devastation in its wake. Fireworks cause extensive air pollution in a short amount of time, leaving metal particles, dangerous toxins, harmful chemicals and smoke in the air for hours and days.”
The Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and ISPCA also emphasised the negative impact on animals. Tim O’Mahony, CEO of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, highlighted the stress and danger fireworks pose to guide and assistance dogs:
“Halloween can be a very nervous and unsettling time for the owners of Guide and Assistance Dogs. Whilst our dogs are highly trained to cope with a level of stress, the anxiety caused by fireworks is beyond what can be expected of any dog to cope with.”
As part of the campaign, Foróige has conducted research to understand young people’s attitudes towards fireworks, helping to inform this awareness effort. John Fitzgerald, Foróige area manager for Dublin City, shared:
“We were delighted to be part of this campaign and to get the opportunity to sit down with Foróige young people around the country and listen to their experiences and insights on firework use, which helped craft this campaign.”
The campaign urges the public to consider the potential dangers and long-term consequences of using fireworks.
Minister Browne concluded with an important message:
“We hear far too often of casualties caused by fireworks, and most of those incidents involve young people who have suffered eye injuries or severe burns. These are injuries which can scar for life, and this is something parents should think about before they buy fireworks or give them to their children.”
The importation of fireworks is tightly controlled under law in Ireland, with severe penalties for those who breach the regulations. It is hoped that this campaign will lead to a safer Halloween for everyone, especially the vulnerable members of society.