New fines to target use of fireworks

STIFF new fines are to be introduced for fireworks offences under a Government plan to overhaul outdated regulations.

Increased penalties will apply to the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks, and a new offence of possession with intent to supply will be created. The measures will be brought before the Dáil for approval almost immediately.

In the longer-term however, the fireworks’ ban looks set to be scrapped as a pending EU directive aimed at standardising controls is likely to force Ireland to fall in line with other EU countries which allow their regulated use.

The short-term plans were announced as Justice Minister Michael McDowell published a review of the regulations and launched a two-month consultation period in which he is inviting submissions from the public.

Almost 100,000 individual fireworks with an estimated value of around €2 million were seized by gardaí in the last five years, according to the review.

It says misuse of fireworks is a growing public problem and says gardaí and emergency services are increasingly the target of firework attacks. It adds that there is also evidence of explosive material from fireworks being by criminal and subversive elements to make explosive devices.

There is no legislation specifically prohibiting the manufacture, importation, sale or use of fireworks so they are regulated under the importation licence system.

Organised public displays are the exception to the ban and have risen from 40 in 1992 to 400 last year. They are subject to event licences granted by planning authorities. Loopholes exist allowing fireworks to be used at major outdoor sports events and small indoor concerts without licences.

The review says existing penalties, set in 1875, are inadequate and the easy availability of fireworks in the North makes it difficult to stop them finding their way to the South. “I am satisfied there is a need for change in both the law and policy governing fireworks,” Mr McDowell said.

Submissions can be sent to [e-mail] or to Department of Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Firearms and Explosives Division, 94 St Stephen’s Green, Dublin 2. Closing date is May 31.