Extra gardaí to crack down on illegal fireworks

EXTRA gardaí are to be drafted into action in Cork city and suburbs in a crackdown on the use of illegal fireworks as part of Operation Tombola.

Chief Superintendent Michael Finn said gardaí were determined to do all they could to prevent serious injuries being caused by fireworks during Halloween.

He said it was an offence to throw an ignited firework at any person or property and doing so could land the perpetrator with a large fine and up to five years in jail.

Under the Criminal Justice Act (2006) even the simple possession of a firework without a licence can lead to a fine of up to €10,000.

“In many cases, illegally imported fireworks come from very dubious origins and safety of the products may well be compromised,” Chief Supt Finn said.

He said that dozens of children in Ireland were left with serious burns and hand injuries last Halloween. Most were aged 10 to 12.

The senior garda said parents had a vital role to play in ensuring the safety of the children. “If a parent discovers that their child has fireworks they should immediately remove them and hand them into their local Garda station. Parents should be extra vigilant during this period and know where their children are at all times. They should also ensure that children are aware of the very real dangers associated with fireworks.”

He urged anybody with information relating to the illegal importation or sale of fireworks to contact their local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666-111.

The scourge of egging is also very much on the Garda’s minds.

“We are appealing to shopkeepers to use common sense and not to sell a dozen eggs to teenagers this weekend. We’d guarantee them that they won’t be using them to make omelettes,” Chief Supt Finn added.