An East Galway TD has asked parents across County Galway to supervise their children in all outdoor activities and to to confiscate fireworks ahead of Halloween.
Minister Ciaran Cannon was speaking in light of an incident where a teenage girl suffered life-changing injuries when fireworks exploded in her hand.
He said: “Halloween is traditionally the occasion for celebrating ancient mystical Irish beliefs in an enjoyable way.
“Reality teaches us, however, that we must be vigilant to the associated dangers such as the stockpiling of material for the burning of unsupervised bonfires and the sale of illegal fireworks.
“These elements create the potential for very real danger to people`s property and lives and puts local authorities and the fire services under unnecessary pressure.
“As Halloween is just a few weeks away, I would earnestly appeal to parents in particular to ensure that their children are supervised in all outdoor activities and that they confiscate any fireworks or bangers that they may find.”
The Fine Gael TD said he was particularly sorry to see a report in The Irish Times that a teenage girl in Cork suffered life-changing injuries because of fireworks.
“In addition, last year saw a warning issued by An Garda Síochána about a firework that resembled a golf-ball and was found by a member of the public in a village in Co Louth,” he said.
“This device could have been picked up by a child and have caused untold harm.
“Fireworks and bangers are not harmless playthings, but are small explosive devices created to cause noise and confusion and have the capacity to maim a person for life.
“Halloween can be a very enjoyable occasion for the young. It will continue to be all the more so if people are vigilant to the potential dangers.”
