Gardaí warn of fines of up to €10,000 and five years imprisonment for fireworks

Illegal use of fireworks could lead to five years of imprisonment, An Garda Siochana have warned.

Gardaí told anyone who might be thinking about buying or using fireworks to have a rethink.

“Many horrific life-changing injuries are sustained at Halloween and during the run-up to it every year by fireworks,” a Garda spokesperson said. “Halloween is getting close and nobody should be injured by or frightened by fireworks.

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“Fireworks are not only dangerous but there are severe criminal penalties for anyone who is found guilty of the offence of igniting an illegal firework, throwing an ignited firework at a person or property or possession of illegal fireworks for sale or supply. The penalties are fines of up to €10,000 and five years imprisonment.

“Should anybody come across fireworks for sale, or any type of antisocial or illegal behaviour in the run up to Halloween, please contact Garda immediately on a 24/7 basis in Letterkenny on 074-9167100, Milford on 074-9153060, Buncrana on 074-9320540 or Ballyshannon on 071-9858530.”