'We have had people who were seriously injured': Warnings against fireworks as numerous incidents reported in Cork 

FIREWORKS are being sold on social media in Cork as local communities raise concern about ongoing nuisance from bangers.

In recent months, there have been regular incidents across the city of fireworks being set off.

Sources said some of the fireworks were brought to Cork from Northern Ireland, and are being sold in Cork through social media sites including Facebook and Snapchat.

The use of fireworks was highlighted in the Dáil recently.

"Fireworks, because they are explosives, are regulated under national and EU legislation and can only be imported into the country under licence and stored and sold in accordance with the explosives law," Minister of State at the Department of Justice, James Brown, said. 

"Government policy restricts the availability of all hazardous fireworks to the general public. Licenses under the Explosives Act are issued by the Department of Justice and Equality only for the importation of fireworks, which are to be used in organised displays conducted by professional and competent operators."

He said that An Garda Síochána engages in “Operation Tombola” at this time of year, with the aim of combating the illegal importation, sale and use of fireworks.

During a recent search of a property in Mallow, almost 500 fireworks were seized.

it is illegal for the general public to import, possess or use bangers, rockets, roman candles and aerial wheels.

It is an offence to light an unlicenced firework, or to throw it at a person or a property, or to sell or give one to someone else.

Fines of up to €10,000, and/or imprisonment of up to five years can be imposed.

A garda spokesman said that gardaí in Cork have responded to calls from members of the public about fireworks, with garda patrols being carried out in areas where incidents were reported.

Sinn Féin's Deputy Donnchadh O Laoghaire said he has heard fireworks in his area and said it is worrying that they are being used so much now, with so much time to go to Halloween.

"We need to create awareness of how dangerous these things can be," he said. "We have had people who were seriously injured in recent years.

And it is, at the end of the day, a criminal offence."

He added: "Fireworks are not harmless. They cause injuries and nuisance."

A special task force is to be set up in Dublin involving gardaí, the fire brigade and Dublin City Council to tackle the use of fireworks.