Minister of State at the Department of Justice James Browne TD has kicked off a nationwide crackdown campaign aimed at curbing the illegal sale of fireworks. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the serious dangers associated with illegal fireworks and the severe penalties for their misuse. The campaign, launched in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, Foróige, the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, and Dublin Fire Brigade, took place at Garda Headquarters in the Phoenix Park.
The Department of Justice’s annual Fireworks Awareness Raising Campaign plays a crucial role in educating the public about the risks posed by illegal fireworks, their detrimental effects on communities, and the regulations governing their use. This year’s campaign will focus on highlighting the physical harm and emotional distress caused by illegal fireworks in communities and underscore the strict penalties that offenders may face. Individuals found in possession of fireworks with intent to sell or supply can incur fines of up to €10,000 and a maximum of 5 years’ imprisonment. Likewise, those convicted of throwing ignited fireworks at a person or property can face similar penalties.
During the campaign launch, Minister Browne emphasized the need for a safe and enjoyable Halloween season for children, teenagers, and families while acknowledging the negative impact fireworks can have on the elderly and vulnerable. He highlighted the issue of anti-social behavior during Halloween, particularly the targeting of young people by their peers using fireworks to intimidate and cause harm. Minister Browne stressed the gravity of such behavior and the stringent measures in place to address it.
The collaboration with organizations like the ISPCA, Guide Dogs for the Blind, Foróige, Dublin Fire Brigade, and An Garda Síochána underscores the collective effort to address the misuse of fireworks and protect communities. In addition to the awareness-raising activities leading up to Halloween, An Garda Síochána’s Operation Tombola focuses on combating the illegal importation, sale, and use of fireworks through targeted operations, visits to local markets, and seizures to prevent associated public disorder and anti-social behavior.
Inspector Ciaran Nunan of the Garda National Community Engagement Bureau highlighted the enforcement efforts under Operation Tombola, emphasizing the proactive measures taken to prevent the sale and distribution of illegal fireworks. He urged the public to report any information related to the illegal use or sale of fireworks to local authorities or through the Garda Confidential Line.
Chief Fire Officer Dennis Keeley of Dublin Fire Brigade underscored the significant environmental impact of fireworks misuse, citing the air pollution caused by metal particles, toxins, and harmful chemicals released during fireworks displays. He stressed the importance of increasing awareness to reduce injuries and incidents associated with fireworks misuse.
The awareness campaign targets the general public, with a specific focus on young people and their parents, who are more likely to engage in illegal fireworks use. The Department of Justice’s collaboration with Foróige involved conducting nationwide focus groups to understand attitudes towards fireworks among young people and parents, aiming to promote harm reduction and responsible behavior.
John Fitzgerald, Foróige area manager for Dublin City, expressed the organization’s commitment to engaging with young people to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks and influence positive decision-making. The insights gathered from the focus groups will inform the campaign’s messaging and outreach strategies.
Tim O’Mahony, CEO of the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind, highlighted the challenges faced by Guide and Assistance Dogs and their owners during the Halloween season due to the distress caused by fireworks. He emphasized the need for public awareness and responsible pet ownership to ensure the safety and well-being of animals.
Cyril Sullivan, CEO of the ISPCA, echoed the concerns about the impact of fireworks on animals, emphasizing the importance of providing a safe and secure environment for pets during Halloween. He urged pet owners to follow guidelines to support their animals and prevent distress caused by fireworks.
Minister Browne reiterated the need for responsible behavior during Halloween, urging the public to consider the consequences of using fireworks irresponsibly. He emphasized the risks of injuries and the strain on emergency services due to reckless behavior, urging parents not to purchase fireworks for their children and instead attend legal and professional fireworks displays for a safe and enjoyable experience.
In conclusion, the crackdown campaign targeting illegal fireworks sales seeks to raise awareness about the dangers of fireworks misuse and enforce strict penalties for offenders. By collaborating with various organizations and engaging with the public, the initiative aims to protect communities, prevent injuries, and promote responsible behavior during the Halloween season. Let us all work together to ensure a safe and enjoyable environment for everyone this Halloween.
