A Sixmilebridge resident whose home was attacked with fireworks insists the Garda presence in the area must be improved before something even worse occurs.
It’s the latest call for better Garda visibility in the south-east Clare village, which isn’t served by a full-time Garda station.
Carmel McElligott of Church View in Sixmilebridge was in England last Friday night when she received a calls for her distressed daughter to say that their home was on fire.
After Gardaí and members of the Clare Fire and Rescue Service attended the scene, it became clear that a firework had been thrown through a gate at the back of the premises.
The damage was so extensive that two sheds were completely destroyed, resulting in the loss of Carmel’s husband’s highly-prized antique bicycle collection.
The incident took place just two days after Shannon resident Mike O’Loughlin told Clare FM’s Morning Focus that fireworks are being let off on an almost nightly basis in the vicinity of his home, leading locals to fear for their safety and the security of their properties.
Carmel says the Government must “put their money where their mouth is” and bring more Garda resources into Sixmilebridge.
The south-east Clare village has the third-largest population in the county, but doesn’t have a 24-hour Garda station.
Local representatives have long lobbied for this to be rectified, but to no avail.
Tulla Fianna Fáil Senator Timmy Dooley says when it comes to fireworks, the responsibility also lies with parents.
Meanwhile, as Halloween fast approaches, Clare’s Crime Prevention Officer is reminding people that the possession, sale and use of fireworks is illegal and poses serious risks to public safety.
Under Section 80 of the Explosives Act, possession of unlicensed fireworks is an arrestable offence and those found guilty could receive a maximum fine of ten thousand euro, a prison sentence of up to five years, or both.
Sergeant Catriona Holohan, who’s based at the Crime Prevention Office at Ennis Garda Station, is urging everyone to work together to have a safe and fun Halloween.
“Don’t buy them, ignite them or use them. Firstly, they are illegal but secondly, they are dangerous.
“They can cause serious injury as they are unregulated.
“Illegal fireworks may lack safety standards, potentially increasing the risk of injury, fire, and property damage due to their unpredictable nature.
“Not only that, fireworks are extremely loud and may be disruptive to your neighbours and could distress animals.
“The loud noises, bright flashes, and sudden vibrations can be overwhelming to domestic animals such as dogs or cats as well as livestock animals”, Sergeant Holohan concludes.
