An increase in the illegal usage of fireworks has led to more pressure on the emergency services, according to recent Gardaí reports.
A report, broadcasted on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, found that in 2017, Gardaí seized over the largest amount of fireworks in five years.
A spokesperson for the Gardaí, Celine Ross has stated: “The Gardaí will confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons and such persons are also liable to prosecution.”
“Apart from the risk of injury, fireworks can cause great distress and annoyance to elderly residents.
They can set off intruder alarms, causing unnecessary extra demands on Garda resources,” Ross continued.
Fireworks, because they are explosives, are regulated under Criminal Justice Act 2006 which requires that fireworks can only be used by trained operators in official displays.
General members of the public are prohibited from using outdoor fireworks.
UK laws are more lenient, with Northern Irish laws requiring a licence to purchase outdoor fireworks.
Daniel Bryant, a secondary school student in border town Dundalk spoke of the common occurrence of travelling across the border to purchase fireworks.
“Loads of young lads on the border buy their fireworks in the shops up north and then drive down to where teenagers hang around, open up their boots and sell them,” said Bryant.
“It’s like an ice-cream truck”.
“There was absolute carnage a couple of years ago but the Gardaí have really struck down though, there’s checkpoints now along the border for fireworks. I doubt many will be bothered with importing them once Brexit happens,” he continued.
The use of fireworks also causes other problems in regards to animals and wildlife, according to Gillian Bird of the Dublin Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (DSPCA).
“The biggest issues are pets getting a fright and running scared into traffic and getting injured or lost.
Wildlife are also affected by fireworks including birds, foxes and badgers as it scares them and they can run into traffic.” said Bird.
“Small animals like hedgehogs often die after piles of logs they have made their hibernation homes are set on fire,” she said.
There has also incidents of people involving fireworks in animal cruelty.
“Some people have in the past fed swans bread with a lit banger inside, that swan had to be put to sleep as a result of injuries to its beak,” said Bird,
Various other similar incidents have occurred such as people “tying fireworks to cats and dogs tails.”
By Aoibhín Bryant
Image Credit: Megan Hannan