by Louise Doyle
PEOPLE are being urged not to put any extra pressure on emergency services this Halloween.
Gardai in Donegal are warning people to rethink buying or using fireworks due to the horrific life changing injuries they can cause.
People are being urged not to get involved in any anti-social behaviour this Halloween, and are being reminded that the ignition of a firework can carry severe criminal repercussions, including up to give years imprisonment.
A garda spokesperson said: “We urge anyone who is thinking about buying or using fireworks to have a rethink. So many horrific life changing injuries are sustained at Halloween and during the run up to it every year by fireworks.
“We urge the public not to put unnecessary pressure on the emergency services this Halloween by using up vital resources and filling up the Accident and Emergency Department with preventable injuries caused by illegal fireworks.
“Fireworks are not only dangerous but there are severe criminal penalties for anyone who is found guilty of the offence of igniting an illegal firework, throwing an ignited firework at a person or property or possession of illegal fireworks for sale or supply. The penalties are fines of up to €10,000 and five years imprisonment.”
Gardaí are calling on people to behave responsibly and to think of those more vulnerable as well as pets. They are appealing to anyone who witnesses fireworks for sale or anti social behaviour to report it to them.
“Halloween is fast approaching and it can be a fun time of year but unfortunately for some it is the stuff of nightmares because of the poor behaviour of but a few. Fireworks and the associated noise can cause great distress to older people and vulnerable people within our communities. The noise also frightens family pets, some of whom run away from their homes because of it.
“Should anybody come across fireworks for sale, or any type of antisocial or illegal behaviour in the run up to Halloween, we ask them to please alert us immediately.”
Gardaí may be reached on a 24/7 basis in Letterkenny on (074) 9167100, in Milford on (074) 9153060, in Buncrana on (074) 9320540 and in Ballyshannon on (071) 9858530. Always call 999 or 112 in the event of an emergency.
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