Appeal for safe use of fireworks
Thursday, 30 October 2008
NEWRY and Armagh MLA Cathal Boylan has appealed for the safe and responsible use of fireworks this Hallowe'en.
The Sinn Fein Assemblyman said: "There has been an irresponsible use of fireworks over the last number of years. There has also been an increase in the sale of illegal fireworks and, in particular, bangers.
“In the last five years nearly 300 hundred people have been injured by fireworks. The vast majority of those injured were aged under 18 and male.
“Every year many people dread Hallowe'en and the weeks before and after it, because of the huge amount of fireworks that will be used irresponsibly.
“The reality is that fireworks are causing serious injuries, and there will be a certain degree of fear in the community, especially on Hallowe'en night, when the use fireworks will unfortunately result in people, and particularly children, being maimed and injured.
“Many people that I have spoken to want to see an end to this yearly ordeal.
“The reality is that thousands of fireworks are being sold illegally. In many cases the people selling these fireworks are deliberately targeting young people. In turn a lot of young people are using fireworks unsupervised and irresponsibly, resulting in many cases in serious injuries and also causing annoyance to the elderly, home and pet owners.
“I call on those who are engaged in this type of activity to stop and reflect on how their actions can cause serious injuries and harm".
