Fireworks fizzle out in Sligo/Leitrim amid legal and environmental warnings

There have been 157 fireworks offences recorded in the Sligo/Leitrim Garda Division over the past 20 years — but only two last year, and six in 2023, according to new data from the Central Statistics Office (CSO).

Since firework laws were tightened in the mid-2000s, a total of 4,193 fireworks-related offences have been recorded across Ireland, with Sligo/Leitrim accounting for just under 4% of those.

Figures show a dramatic decline in local offences over the past 15 years — dropping from 24 incidents in 2010 to just two last year. Most offences in the region occur between October and December, peaking around Halloween.

Outside of Dublin, Limerick recorded the highest number of fireworks offences nationwide over the past two decades with 336, followed by Donegal with 263 and Cork with 230 across its three Garda divisions.

In Dublin, six Garda divisions together accounted for 1,021 offences between 2004 and mid-2025 — roughly a quarter of all offences in Ireland.

Ireland has some of the strictest firework laws in the world, and since their tightening, incidents have fallen dramatically. The national peak came in 2010, when 461 offences were recorded.

Nearly all fireworks are illegal to sell or possess without a licence. Only F1-category fireworks — such as party poppers, ground spinners, Christmas crackers and some sparklers — can be legally bought and used by the general public.

All other fireworks are prohibited, and those caught lighting or possessing them face arrest without a warrant, fines, and even prison sentences.

Beyond the legal risks, experts are warning of the environmental impact of fireworks.

Briain Kelly of EnergyEfficiency.ie said fireworks can affect air and water quality, cause land pollution, and harm animal wellbeing.

“Fireworks release chemicals, fine particles and heavy metals into the air, producing gases like sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxides,” he said.

“These substances can linger long after the display ends, leading to poor air quality and respiratory irritation. The metal compounds that create the colours we see can also contaminate soil and waterways once they settle.”

Authorities are urging the public to report illegal fireworks use to Gardaí and to consider the risks — both legal and environmental — ahead of Halloween celebrations.

READ MORE: Taoiseach 'certainly never did me any favours; absolutely not!' says Leitrim councillor