Minister for Justice, Home Affairs and Migration Jim O'Callaghan has launched a nationwide awareness campaign warning of the serious dangers posed by illegal fireworks and the strict penalties for misuse.

The initiative, unveiled with An Garda Síochána, the National Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), Irish Guide Dogs, Dublin Fire Brigade and the National Office for Community Safety at Dublin Fire Brigade's Training Centre in Marino, aims to deter illegal use ahead of Hallowe'en.

The Department's annual Fireworks Awareness Raising Campaign informs the public about the risks from illegal fireworks, their harmful effects across communities, and the legal framework that governs them.

The campaign stresses that possessing fireworks with intent to sell or supply, or igniting or throwing a lit firework at a person or property, can lead to fines of up to €10,000 and prison terms of up to five years.

Speaking at the launch, Minister O'Callaghan said: "Halloween can be an enjoyable time for our communities, but we also know the distress the use of illegal fireworks can cause around this time of year.

"They pose a real risk to the health and safety of young people, and the elderly and vulnerable. They also terrify family pets, service dogs and other animals. Unfortunately, people who buy and use illegal fireworks often don't fully consider how dangerous they can be for them and how distressing they are for others.

"I would urge people to think hard before they use fireworks this year, and am asking people to consider not just their own safety, but the safety of others who may be impacted by their actions over the Halloween period."

O'Callaghan also recognised the contribution of campaign partners. Greg O'Dwyer, Chief Fire Officer of Dublin Fire Brigade, warned of the severe injuries that illegal fireworks can cause and encouraged attendance at official public displays.

He said: "Dublin Fire Brigade Firefighters and Paramedics have had to deal with some horrific injuries caused by illegal fireworks over the years. These fireworks are completely unpredictable and these injuries can occur by fireworks igniting earlier than anticipated, exploding in some young person's hand, causing disfigurement to their fingers, or going off in their pocket, severely burning their leg. Also, they can become projectiles from bonfires, striking people in the face, and causing serious facial and eye injuries. These types of injuries are all potentially life-changing, or even worse.

"Fortunately, we have seen a decline in these types of injuries over the last few years, due mainly to the increase in the number of officially organised firework events, which provide a fun and safe environment. We would urge all parents and young people to check their local authorities' websites, social media and seek out local community groups, to find these events so everyone can be safe and stay safe around the Halloween period."

Tim O'Mahony, Chief Executive Officer of Irish Guide Dogs, highlighted the effects on working dogs and their owners.

He said: "Halloween can be a particularly challenging and unsettling time for people who rely on Guide Dogs, Assistance Dogs and Community Dogs. While our dogs are highly trained to cope with many different environments and situations, the sudden and unpredictable noise of fireworks can cause significant fear and anxiety.

"Our expert trainers support dogs and their owners when fireworks cause distress, but in some cases the impact can be severe. If a Guide, Assistance or Community Dog is unable to continue working as a result of fireworks-related trauma, the consequences for their owner can be profound, with their independence and mobility affected while they wait to be matched with another suitable dog.

"We are asking everyone to think about the impact fireworks can have, not just on pets, but on working dogs and the people who depend on them every day." NSPCA Inspector Shane Lawlor described the distress fireworks can cause animals. He said: "Halloween is a time of celebration for many of us, but for animals, fireworks can mean fear, distress and, in some cases, serious injury. The sudden bangs, flashes and unpredictability can be terrifying, particularly given that many animals have much more sensitive hearing than we do.

"As an Inspector, I've seen how quickly a frightened animal can panic and try to escape. Dogs and cats can bolt from homes and gardens, horses and livestock can injure themselves in fright, and wildlife can also be badly affected. It's important to remember that animals have no understanding of where that sudden noise is coming from or when it is going to stop.

"We're asking people to think about the impact fireworks can have on animals before using them. A little consideration can make Halloween a much safer and less frightening time for animals."

Enforcement is also being stepped up under Operation Tombola, An Garda Síochána's national effort to disrupt the importation, sale and distribution of illegal fireworks through intelligence-led operations, visits to car boot sales, searches and seizures, and targeted deployments to curb public disorder and anti-social behaviour. Speaking at the launch, Superintendent John Grace of An Garda Síochána said: "Halloween is meant to be a time of wholesome community fun for all ages. However, we are urgently calling on parents and guardians, especially those with younger children, to recognise the severe, life-changing dangers that illegal fireworks pose, alongside the distress they inflict on our communities.

"Fireworks are completely illegal, and young people must understand that launching or aiming any lit firework at individuals or property is a serious criminal offense. Over the weeks ahead, our Community Policing teams will be visiting schools nationwide to speak directly with students about these very real dangers and the legal consequences.

"Under our ongoing national initiative, Operation Tombola, An Garda Síochána is targeting the supply chain of illicit and unlicensed fireworks. By seizing these items, we aim to cut off anti-social behaviour, prevent catastrophic injuries, and prosecute those responsible.

"If you have any information regarding the sale, storage, or distribution of illegal fireworks, please reach out to your local Garda station or call the confidential Garda line at 1800 666 111.

"People need to understand that reporting illegal fireworks activity to Gardaí is not about being a Halloween 'buzzkill', it's about keeping our communities safe and taking action could prevent a child from suffering a severe injury this October."

Gráinne Berrill, Director of the National Office of Community Safety, added: "The misuse of illegal fireworks can have a significant impact on communities, causing distress to older people, families with young children, people with disabilities, pet owners, and many others.

"This campaign raises awareness of that very real impact illegal fireworks can have on people, animals and communities. Community safety is everyone's responsibility. By encouraging everyone to understand the risks associated with fireworks, and consider how their actions impact others, we can work together to help create communities that are both safe and feel safe over the Hallowe'en period."

Minister O'Callaghan urged those tempted to use illegal fireworks to consider the consequences for themselves and others. He said: "We hear far too often of young people who have suffered eye injuries or severe burns as a result of fireworks accidents. These incidents put our emergency services and frontline workers under enormous extra pressure at this time of year, which puts everybody at risk.

"So we would ask parents not to buy fireworks for their own use or for their children and instead take their children along to legal and professional fireworks displays organised in their local area, which can provide a safe and fun environment for everyone."