Fine Gael TD Naoise Ó Múirí has said that a “zero tolerance” approach to fireworks is needed in the run-up to Halloween.
The Dublin Bay North TD said cracking down on the sale, possession and use of illegal fireworks is needed across the Northside.
With reports of fireworks being let off in various Northside communities since August, Ó Múirí has said that “no amount of entertainment is worth the stress caused.”
The Fine Gael TD said, “Halloween is an exciting time for children and families, but unfortunately it is also a period when many communities experience serious antisocial behaviour linked to the use of illegal fireworks.”
“Every year, residents are forced to endure fireworks being set off in parks, green spaces and residential areas, often causing fear, disruption and significant safety risks.”
This week, Ó Múirí attended the launch of Dublin Fire Brigade’s awareness campaign in Marino with Minister O’Callaghan, with Dublin Fire Brigade highlighting the real dangers posed by illegal fireworks and the serious penalties that apply to their sale and use.
“People underestimate the risks involved. Dublin Fire Brigade demonstrated that illegal fireworks can cause devastating injuries, including severe burns and permanent disfigurement, in a matter of seconds,” Ó Múirí warned.
The Dublin Bay North TD said that the impact of fireworks usage extends far beyond the people who use fireworks.
“Senior citizens in particular can be left frightened in their own homes, while pets and other animals can suffer significant distress from loud explosions,” he said.
Ó Múirí also emphasised the stress and pressure that emergency services are under in the run-up to, and on Halloween itself.
“Our emergency services face enormous pressure every Halloween responding to incidents involving fireworks, requiring valuable resources to be diverted away from other emergencies,” he said.
He said that people “have a responsibility” to help keep local communities safe.
“There should be zero tolerance for illegal fireworks, and I would encourage anyone with information about their storage, sale or misuse to contact An Garda Síochána,” he said.
Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan said, “unfortunately, people who buy and use illegal fireworks often don’t fully consider how dangerous they can be for them and how distressing they are for others. “
“I would urge people to think hard before they use fireworks this year, and am asking people to consider not just their own safety, but the safety of others who may be impacted by their actions over the Halloween period,” the Fianna Fáil Minister said.
Tim O’Mahony, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs, highlighted the sometimes profound impact fireworks can have on guide dogs and their owners.
“Our expert trainers support dogs and their owners when fireworks cause distress, but in some cases the impact can be severe. If a guide, assistance or community dog is unable to continue working as a result of fireworks-related trauma, the consequences for their owner can be profound, with their independence and mobility affected while they wait to be matched with another suitable dog,” he warned.
“We are asking everyone to think about the impact fireworks can have, not just on pets, but on working dogs and the people who depend on them every day.”