Kerry councillor calls for safety awareness campaign ahead of Halloween
The KerrymanKerry councillors have called on Kerry County Council to work with Gardai to prevent serious antisocial behaviour during Halloween.
Councillor Tom Barry recalled the posting of a live firework through a letter box last year, warning that such incidents could put people in serious danger.
At a recent Listowel Municipal District meeting, Cllr Barry tabled a motion about safety during Halloween.
He asked the council to work with the Gardi, fire services, schools and other relevant organisations to highlight the risk associated with festivities and the role that parents and guardians can play.
Cllr Barry highlighted a serious incident last year where a firework was put through someone’s letter box.
“Thank God the man who lived there wasn’t there, but it could have been a tragic accident,” he said.
Councillor Michael Foley added that there were “a few adults that needed their heads checked”.
He said there was ‘considerable’ cost involved in repairs to house, which was damaged by the firework, speculating that it ‘most likely’ public money that was used to pay for it.
In 2024, Halloween in Tarbert was marred by up to 50 youths aiming fireworks at buildings.
One incident left children terrified when fireworks were lit and placed underneath the car they were travelling in with their parents.
The council said Kerry Fire Service will again run a safety awareness campaign in the lead-up to Halloween.
They said the public will also be asked to cooperate with any instructions issued by emergency services.