15/04/2002
Kennedy announces new restrictions on fireworks
The Northern Ireland Security Minister Jane Kennedy has announced plans to prevent the abuse of fireworks in response to appeals from the public.
Regulations were laid before Parliament on Monday April 15 which will prohibit the purchase, possession, sale and use of garden fireworks except under licence.
The change in the law, which is the result of the Minister’s review of firework policy announced in October, will come into effect from May 6. From that date, only those who successfully apply for a licence from the Northern Ireland Office will be allowed to buy garden fireworks.
The Minister said: “I regret having to take this step but I know from the groundswell of public opinion during the consultation process just how upset many people have been by the constant abuse of fireworks. What should be a source of entertainment has, in many areas, become a public nuisance.
“In particular many elderly people and pet-owners are distressed every year by fireworks being let off by young people and thrown into gardens or doorways, frequently late at night. This must stop.
“Families across Northern Ireland will still be able to enjoy fireworks in a controlled and safe way. But the action I have taken today will help to ensure fireworks are used for entertainment, rather than to injure, maim or distress the elderly, those living alone or helpless animals.”
The review of fireworks policy took into account the views of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, as well as the general public. The Minister also liased closely with the Fireworks Industry in Northern Ireland and with the police and prosecuting authorities. The licensing requirement covers all fireworks, except indoor fireworks and sparklers. (MB)
Regulations were laid before Parliament on Monday April 15 which will prohibit the purchase, possession, sale and use of garden fireworks except under licence.
The change in the law, which is the result of the Minister’s review of firework policy announced in October, will come into effect from May 6. From that date, only those who successfully apply for a licence from the Northern Ireland Office will be allowed to buy garden fireworks.
The Minister said: “I regret having to take this step but I know from the groundswell of public opinion during the consultation process just how upset many people have been by the constant abuse of fireworks. What should be a source of entertainment has, in many areas, become a public nuisance.
“In particular many elderly people and pet-owners are distressed every year by fireworks being let off by young people and thrown into gardens or doorways, frequently late at night. This must stop.
“Families across Northern Ireland will still be able to enjoy fireworks in a controlled and safe way. But the action I have taken today will help to ensure fireworks are used for entertainment, rather than to injure, maim or distress the elderly, those living alone or helpless animals.”
The review of fireworks policy took into account the views of the Northern Ireland Executive and Assembly, as well as the general public. The Minister also liased closely with the Fireworks Industry in Northern Ireland and with the police and prosecuting authorities. The licensing requirement covers all fireworks, except indoor fireworks and sparklers. (MB)
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MLAs have urged the public to keep year’s Halloween celebrations safe and legal. Justice Minister David Ford and Public Safety Minister Edwin Poots have launched this year’s Fireworks Safety Awareness Campaign.
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A sunny but frosty start for many. However cloud increases by midday with a few showers reaching the north coast, these mostly light but spreading inland this afternoon. Chilly. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A rather cloudy evening with scattered showers. Becoming drier through the night with some good clear spells developing and a patchy frost away from coasts. Minimum temperature 0 °C.