‘It is an offence’: Gardaí in Mayo seize 'substantial' illegal fireworks before Halloween

Castlebar Gardaí have taken to social media to reveal a “substantial amount” of illegal fireworks seized by the force. 

An Garda Síochána Mayo wrote: “Every year at this time of year, we see significant injuries to people and property, along with the distress it causes, through the use of these illegal fireworks.

“We continue our efforts to remove as many as possible from circulation in our community and we ask that members of the public do not purchase illegal fireworks as it is an offence to possess such items.

“We also ask that any information relating to the sale or use of these is reported to your local Garda station.”

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The seizure was part of Operation Tombola, which is a nationwide policing plan focused on the prevention and detection of the sale of fireworks and public order and anti-social behaviour issues during the Halloween period.

Several commenters weighed in on social media, sharing their opinion on the seizure. 

One person wrote: “Legalise them in this day and age.”

It is illegal to buy, use, or ignite fireworks without a license. 

Ahead of Halloween, a Garda took to Clare FM, stating: “fireworks are dangerous, unpredictable, and can cause serious injuries such as burns or loss of fingers.”