Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O’Callaghan has launched a nationwide awareness campaign to highlight the serious risks associated with illegal fireworks and the strict penalties for their misuse. The campaign, launched at the Dublin Fire Brigade Training Centre in Marino, is a collaboration between An Garda Síochána, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), Irish Guide Dogs, and Dublin Fire Brigade, with support from the National Office for Community Safety. It aims to educate the public on the dangers illegal fireworks pose to people, animals, and property, emphasizing fines of up to €10,000 and up to five years’ imprisonment for offenses such as possessing fireworks with intent to sell or throwing ignited fireworks at individuals or property.
Minister O’Callaghan stressed the harm illegal fireworks cause to communities, including distress to neighbors, risks to vulnerable populations, and the terror inflicted on pets and service animals. He highlighted that while Halloween is a time for celebration, misuse of fireworks can have severe consequences for public safety. The Minister urged the public to consider the impact of fireworks on others and adhere to legal restrictions, emphasizing community responsibility.
Representatives from the Dublin Fire Brigade underscored the severe physical injuries fireworks can cause, including burns, disfigurement, and life-changing accidents, while recommending attendance at officially organized displays for safety. Irish Guide Dogs highlighted the anxiety and trauma fireworks cause to guide and assistance dogs, affecting both the animals and their owners’ independence. The ISPCA emphasized that pets, livestock, and wildlife experience extreme distress from fireworks and encouraged owners to take precautions to protect animals during Halloween.
The campaign also complements ongoing law enforcement efforts under An Garda Síochána’s Operation Tombola, which targets illegal importation, sale, and distribution of fireworks. Community policing officers will engage schools to educate children on the dangers and criminal consequences of fireworks misuse. The operation includes intelligence-led inspections, seizures, and proactive measures to prevent public disorder and injuries caused by illegal fireworks.
Inspector Ciaran Nunan highlighted the importance of parental awareness and community vigilance, encouraging the public to report illegal fireworks to local Garda stations or the confidential hotline to prevent injuries. Minister O’Callaghan concluded by reminding everyone of the personal and community risks associated with fireworks, stressing that responsible behavior is essential to safeguard public safety and reduce pressure on emergency services during the Halloween period.
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