Extra Garda patrols will be stationed across the city this weekend in a bid to stamp out anti-social behaviour, with a number of incidents taking place on Halloween nights in recent years.

The Limerick Animal Welfare Centre is also calling on all pet owners to keep their animals inside after dark, as many can be very nervous at the sound of fireworks being let off. Chairperson Marion Fitzgibbon described this weekend as the group's "most dangerous, worrying weekend in the entire year".

Two years ago, Limerick's then first citizen Cllr Ger Fahy saw the back window of his mayoral car smashed when it was parked in the driveway of his Janesboro home.

And on the same night, Bus Eireann was forced to withdraw its services on many city routes amid safety concerns for its drivers and passengers. Windows were smashed on four different buses by youths throwing eggs and rocks.

Already this year, northside city councillor Maurice Quinlivan, Sinn Fein, has reported illegal bangers being pushed through people's letterboxes, causing fear for both residents and their pets.

Inspector John O'Reilly, Henry Street Garda station, called on parents of young children to educate them on the danger of fireworks and anti-social behaviour.

New offences and penalties for the illegal possession and use of fireworks were introduced under the Criminal Justice Act 2006. The penalty for these offences is a fine of up to €10,000 or five years' imprisonment - or both.

"I would urge all parents to monitor the activities of children to ensure their safety in the event of attending any firework displays. Young people may go out and play some pranks, but I would ask all parents to sit down and talk with their children to ensure nothing is done that is illegal," he said.

Interestingly, Limerick Fire Service are not expecting a higher number of calls than usual.

Station Master Don McCarthy said the change in tradition from Halloween to the May Eve means the fire service will not have a busier night than normal.

But he did warn against householders leaving candles unattended, with paper halloween decorations about.