Press release
Minister Flanagan launches Fireworks campaign
Published on
Last updated on
Published on
Last updated on
The Minister for Justice and Equality, Charlie Flanagan TD, together with Chief Fire Officer of the Dublin Fire Brigade, Denis Keeley, and Chief Superintendent for the DMR North Central, Patrick McMenamin, today launched a campaign to warn the public of the dangers of fireworks, including the potential for injuries and property damage as well as highlighting penalties that come with the illegal use of fireworks.
Fireworks are classed as explosives and are regulated under national and EU legislation. They can only be imported into the country under licence. They must be stored and sold in accordance with explosives law.
It is an offence to possess a firework with intent to sell or supply, without a licence; light illegal fireworks; or throw or direct a lit firework at any person or property.
Launching the campaign this afternoon, Minister Flanagan said:
“Most of us enjoy firework displays and we associate them with very special occasions. However, it is really important that anyone who intends to illegally purchase fireworks to mark Halloween knows that these devices can be extremely dangerous and cause very serious injuries. I want young people and their parents in particular to be aware of the risks – fireworks may be beautiful to watch but can be devastating if handled incorrectly."
The Minister continued,
“The law contains severe penalties in accordance with the dangers fireworks pose. Having unlicensed fireworks in your possession with an intent to sell or supply can result in a fine of up to €10,000 or up to five years imprisonment or both. Igniting fireworks or throwing an ignited firework at a person or property is also liable to the same severe penalties.
“Using illegal fireworks can harm not only you, your children or your pets - but your pocket and your reputation. They’re just not worth the risks.”
The Department of Justice and Equality is launching the annual campaign to highlight these penalties in a bid to help keep communities safe this Halloween, working together with Emergency services, that are particularly busy at this time of year to prevent injuries and the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.
An Garda Síochána has put in place measures to prevent and detect the sale and organised importation of fireworks in the lead-up to Halloween. Operation ‘Tombola' is designed to address all aspects associated with the policing of the Halloween period, including the prevention and detection of illegal fireworks for sale and associated public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Fireworks with an approximate value of €2300 were seized during a search in Graiguenemanagh, Co Kilkenny during the week.
Every Halloween, the Fire Service receive a high number of callouts to bonfires and fireworks related incidents. Firefighters are urging parents not to buy illegal fireworks for their children this Halloween and instead Families are being encouraged to attend family events organised by the council, rather than illegal fireworks and bonfire displays.
ENDS