Call for ban on private fireworks

A ban on setting off fireworks at private parties and functions has been called for by a Killarney councillor.

A ban on setting off fireworks at private parties and functions has been called for by a Killarney councillor.

He says they have become an increasing nuisance in towns and villages, especially after weddings, and that they frighten horses and dogs. He has cited one report of cattle taking fright and dying.

Mr Donal Grady, an Independent councillor, said: "Horses go through anything once they start. Last Saturday night [after fireworks were set off at a local hotel\], horses got extremely excited. I have had several complaints about loss of dogs," he said. Older people were also being frightened by the noise, he added.

Mr Grady said he would be putting down a motion calling for a ban on the displays unless for special public occasions, when the general public had plenty of notice.

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"We don't want to spoil anyone's fun, but we have to think of our elderly people, our people with animals, plus the animals in the wild," he said.

Det Sgt Dan Keane, who is in charge of fireworks certificates in Kerry, said there had been a marked increase this year in the numbers of private parties applying for fireworks certificates, especially on wedding nights.

He said regulations were strict and as well as Garda approval, the authorisation of a senior fire officer was needed before the Department of Justice granted a licence.