Donegal has third-highest number of fireworks offences over the past 20 years

Since firework laws were tightened in the mid-2000s, there have been 4,193 fireworks offences recorded across Ireland, with 263 recorded in Donegal.

Donegal had the third-highest overall, Limerick is second and Dublin ranks first with the most offences over the past 20 years. 

There has been a massive decrease in firework-related offences over the past 15 years, with only five last year and seven in 2023, compared to 41 in 2010 in Donegal. 

Most of the offences in Donegal are recorded between October and December according to CSO data, with the spike in offences coinciding with Halloween.

Ireland has some of the strictest laws around fireworks in the world, and data shows that there has been a massive decrease in people using fireworks since 2010, when the number of offences peaked at 461. Nearly all fireworks are illegal to sell or possess without a licence.

“The illegal use of fireworks can and does cause great distress to older people, pets and families,” An Garda Síochána said. “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 & 5 years imprisonment.

“Should anybody come across fireworks for sale, or any type of antisocial or illegal behaviour in the run up to or at Halloween, we ask them to please alert us immediately on a 24/7 basis in Letterkenny on 074-9167100, Milford on 074-9153060, Buncrana on 074-9320540 or Ballyshannon on 071-9858530. Always call 999 or 112 in an emergency.”