Seanad debates

Wednesday, 31 October 2007

11:30 am

Photo of Camillus GlynnCamillus Glynn (Fianna Fail)

Some weeks ago I raised the question of what might happen at Hallowe'en time. I regret that what I said has come true. Unfortunately, it is worse than I had thought it would be. A warehouse in Mullingar was seriously damaged by a fire started by a firework. Fortunately, the local authority was in a position to facilitate the individual concerned and no jobs were lost as a result. It made dim viewing to see local authorities having to move into estates around the capital — the same could happen in Mullingar, Athlone or elsewhere in the country — to dismantle the piles of material collected for bonfires. Many old people will be shivering behind their closed doors. Last night in Mullingar is not a night I will remember with good feelings. We need a serious clampdown on the use of fireworks and bonfires. While I do not want to be a killjoy, if we must have bonfires and fireworks, they need to take place in a controlled way. What is happening at the moment is quite serious and I ask that strong action be taken to prevent it.

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