THE NUMBER of illegal fireworks in circulation has significantly fallen this year following a three-fold increase in detections of illegal selling and increased Garda enforcement forcing many gangs out of the market.
The number of people detected selling or transporting illegally held fireworks has increased to 254 cases in the past year, compared to 59 cases last year.
Garda sources said public campaigns highlighting the dangers of illegally imported fireworks appear to have convinced people not to buy them from street dealers. “In previous years we’ve seized container loads and that has cost the people behind the smuggling operations huge amounts of money,” said a senior Garda source.
“But this year we haven’t even had one large seizure and at the same time the evidence from around the country seems to be that there’s been a lot less bangers and rockets going off in the run-up to Halloween.”
Gardaí say while the true fall-off in the smuggling and sale of fireworks will only become clear in the weeks ahead, anecdotal evidence strongly suggests availability has been greatly reduced.
Under legislative changes recently introduced, a number of new fireworks offences have been created. Gardaí believe the criminalisation of certain activities has meant fewer parents encouraging their children to buy fireworks.
It is now a criminal offence for anybody but a licensed dealer to possess fireworks for sale or supply. It is also illegal to throw a firework after lighting it, or to use fireworks in a public place without a licence. Conviction on any of these offences can lead to fines of up to €10,000. Those convicted can face terms of imprisonment of up to 10 years under the new laws.
Gardaí in Dublin have targeted the illegal use of fireworks in the city under Operation Tombola in recent years. While that operation has been in place again this year it has not been as busy, Garda sources said.
Meanwhile, the Road Safety Authority (RSA) has encouraged road users and pedestrians to take extra care this evening when children will be trick or treating.
The authority has urged motorists to drive slowly and carefully and to look out for children who “are excited and may forget safety rules”. It advised parents to accompany their children as they go from house to house.
Children should wear bright costumes, carry a torch and start their house calls early in order to avoid being outside when it gets dark.