‘Please don’t use them’: Limerick residents warned of dangers of Halloween fireworks
Items such as bangers, rockets, Roman candles and shells are prohibited for ordinary members of the public, with fireworks restricted to appropriately licensed professionals
WITH Halloween approaching, Limerick people are being urged to stay away from illegal fireworks amid warnings about the risk of serious injuries and the distress they cause to older people, those with sensory needs and animals.
Fireworks can be volatile and unpredictable, going off without warning and causing life-changing injuries. Despite their popularity around Halloween, many types of fireworks are illegal for members of the public to buy, sell or use in Ireland.
Aontú councillor and trained veterinary nurse Sarah Beasley has issued a warning ahead of the Halloween period, urging people to think about their own safety and the impact fireworks can have on others in their community.
“People may think they are able to handle them, but generally they are dealing with an unknown entity,” she said.
“Fireworks are volatile, they are unstable and can go off without warning, leading to very, very serious injuries.”
Items such as bangers, rockets, Roman candles and shells are prohibited for ordinary members of the public, with fireworks restricted to appropriately licensed professionals.
Unlawful possession, sale or use can carry significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment.
Councillor Beasley urged anyone considering obtaining fireworks illegally to think again.
“So, I would say to anyone considering trying to illegally procure fireworks — please don’t,” she said.
The impact on animals is another major concern, with loud explosions capable of causing extreme fear and distress. Older people and those with special sensory needs can also be particularly affected by fireworks in residential areas.
As a trained veterinary nurse, Cllr Beasley said she had seen the effect fireworks could have on animals.
“Fireworks frighten the life out of elderly people, those with special sensory needs and, of course, animals. I am a trained veterinary nurse and I can tell you animals are petrified of fireworks; they have a terrible effect on them,” she said.
She appealed to people to show consideration for their neighbours and to enjoy Halloween without putting others at risk.
“People should be able to enjoy Halloween and the run-up to it without being fearful. It’s not fair and it’s very inconsiderate,” she said.
Young people were also urged to consider the potential consequences of using fireworks, with serious hand, eye and other injuries among the dangers.
“Hospital staff see the horrendous injuries that fireworks can inflict, so please don’t use them,” Cllr Beasley finished.