Firework thrown at a garda car

More needs to be done to tackle the use of fireworks.

This follows a spate of complaints across County Kildare some of which come from the parents of children with special needs who suffer “sensory overload” because of the noise produced.

It was claimed that a firework was thrown at a garda car in Rathangan.

Newbridge councillor Peggy O’Dwyer asked Kildare County Council to promote a media campaign because of the risk posed to humans and animals.

She told the meeting that concerns had been raised by older people as well as dog owners, adding that dogs go missing.

“This keeps increasing,” she said, adding that it is a difficult problem to solve.

Another Newbridge councillor Chris Pender said there needs to be some form of prevention but  he acknowledged that KCC has no role in this.

Read more Kildare news

He said the parents of children with autism have asked for action to be taken, adding “a variety of people are affected.”

People have been admitted to hospital for treatment for hand and facial injuries caused by fireworks, said Cllr Bill Clear.

Cllr Brian O'Loughlin

The community in Rathangan has been “held to ransom” according to Fianna Fáil councillor Brian O’Loughlin. He said a firework had been thrown at a garda car in the town and nobody has been arrested.

“It’s getting worse,” he told the meeting.

Last month Minister of State James Browne TD launched a nationwide awareness raising campaign to warn against the serious danger posed by illegal fireworks and the strict penalties for their misuse.

This campaign was done in collaboration with An Garda Síochána, Foróige, the Irish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ISPCA), the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind and Dublin Fire Brigade.

KCC official Alan Dunney pointed out that fireworks are illegal and serious penalties can be imposed, with fines of up to €10,000 and 5 years’ imprisonment applying for having fireworks with intent to sell or supply. It is also illegal to throw an ignited firework at a person or property.