The party’s over: Cork to ban balloon launches

Party celebrants could soon be faced with a fine if they launch balloons into the air in Co Cork.

Cork County Council’s Environment Directorate has backed a request from a councillor to draw up bylaws to prevent the release of balloons because when they burst and fall back to earth they present a potentially deadly threat to wildlife.

Independent councillor Marcia D’Alton, who proposed the bylaws, denied being a party-pooper, saying there were good reasons for imposing a ban.