People caught in possession of fireworks will be prosecuted, say Gardaí

Gardaí say that anyone caught in possession of fireworks this Halloween will be prosecuted.

Speaking to the Westmeath Examiner, a garda spokesperson said that an operation is already place for the Halloween period and that action will be taken against people found in possession of fireworks.

"We want to discourage the use of fireworks and will be taking a proactive approach in relation to them. Any fireworks will be seized and the person found in possession of them will be subject to a prosecution."

The spokesperson added that in addition to being illegal, fireworks are also dangerous.

"Everyone found in possession of fireworks will be prosecuted. They are an illegal substance and an explosive item. We don’t want to be prosecuting young people, but more to the point they are extremely dangerous. That is the bigger issue."

Gardaí are also working with Westmeath County Council to identify illegal bonfires sites. It is believed that a number of sites have already been cleared in the Mullingar area.