Emergency services warn public to take extra precautions over Halloween

Ottoline Spearman

Emergency services are appealing to the public to take extra precautions during Halloween celebrations.

Illegal bonfires and lighting fireworks are being discouraged to prevent injuries from happening.

Unions are also raising concerns for the safety of frontline workers being sent to emergencies.

Brendan Flynn is a paramedic with 30 years' experience, and he represents National Ambulance Service members. Speaking on Newstalk, he said there are real risks involved: "We're dependent on the public applying reasonable foresight with the benefit of hindsight based on their past experiences around Halloween and the obvious dangers associated with that.

"We would be grateful if they would exercise that experience tonight.

"We're happy that we do have experienced staff that will bring our new staff safely through tonight."

Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam, is also urging people to report any bonfire stockpiles. Speaking on Newstalk, he said the public should report stockpiles to Dublin City Council, the local area office, ring 222 22 22, or ring the gardaí. 

"I'll be liaising with the gardaí and City Council officials to make sure they are there to support Dublin communities, to make sure there is as minimal disruption and antisocial behaviour across Halloween as we possibly can," he said.