Warning on Halloween violence

Minister for Justice Dermot Ahern has been urged to ensure that gardaí have adequate resources this weekend to prevent a repeat of the violent incidents witnessed over Halloween last year.

Fine Gael justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan warned today that only a significant Garda operation would prevent the type of antisocial behaviour which occurred in several cities across the country last year.

Several gardaí and firefighters were attacked last Halloween while attending incidents at illegal bonfires in Dublin, Tipperary and Cork, while dozens of cars were set alight in Limerick.

The Dublin Fire Service was called out to more than 800 incidents and the city’s ambulance service received some 500 calls.

The estimated cost of cleaning up the damage caused by bonfires in Dublin alone was €1 million.

“The type of antisocial behaviour associated with Halloween is already visible. All over the country, materials such as tyres have been gathered for bonfires," Mr Flanagan said.

“Halloween can be a harrowing time for communities and is an especially difficult time for elderly people living alone who find the heightened levels of antisocial behaviour at Halloween time terrifying.”

Mr Flanagan called on Mr Ahern to ensure that sufficient gardaí are on the ground to prevent a repeat of last year’s “violence and mayhem.”

Three Dublin fire crews were attacked with stones earlier in the week while tackling separate fires in Ballymun and Ballyfermot. Dublin Fire Brigade has appealed for people to attend official Halloween events this year rather than organise their own.

Meanwhile, gardaí in Co Waterford are investigating the recent theft of some 50 marine flares, which they fear may be used at Halloween.

AA Insurance today warned householders that damaged caused by fireworks used under their supervision would "probably not be covered" by their home insurance policy.

Director of policy Conor Faughnan said:"Nothing is more important than making sure that spectators, especially kids, are kept safe."

"But remember that fireworks are illegal; if you do damage to your own house or property in a fireworks accident you are unlikely to be covered by your home insurance," he said.