‘It was terrifying’ – Residents express shock after fireworks fired at homes in Meath estate
Residents in a Meath estate have expressed shock and anger after fireworks were fired directly at their houses.
Last week, a small group entered St Colmcille’s Villas in Kells and launched fireworks from what has been described as a “makeshift cannon,” sending projectiles across the green and into gardens.
Loud explosions echoed through the estate as sparks and debris landed close to homes, leaving scorch marks near walls and fences.
One young family said their children were left in tears, while others were too frightened to look out their windows for fear of being struck.
“It was terrifying,” said one resident.
“You could see the fireworks shooting across the estate, hitting houses. I’ve lived here my whole life and I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Parents have since voiced concerns ahead of Halloween, saying they are reluctant to let their children go trick-or-treating.
Meanwhile, elderly residents said they felt unsafe in their homes, with one woman describing how she “sat in the dark just waiting for it to stop.”
Independent community representative Cormac Corr PC who met with residents following the incident, called the incident “reckless, dangerous, and deeply distressing.”
“This wasn’t a harmless prank,” he said.
“It was deliberate, targeted behaviour that could have caused serious injury or worse. People have a right to feel safe in their own homes, and that right was taken from them on last Friday night.”
Mr Corr said the fireworks attack is part of a wider pattern of antisocial behaviour in recent years, including vandalism, intimidation, and property damage.
Many are now calling for improved lighting in darker areas of the estate and the installation of CCTV to help deter future incidents.
There is also growing concern about Garda resources in the area, with recent figures showing Meath has the lowest number of Gardaí per capita in the country.
Residents and local representatives believe this shortage is affecting the ability to prevent and respond to such incidents.
Mr Corr said stronger community policing is essential to rebuild trust.
“People want to see Gardaí back on the streets, on foot, in their estates, talking to residents and knowing who lives where. That visibility builds relationships and deters antisocial behaviour,” he said.
With Halloween just a day away, locals fear the behaviour could escalate if not addressed. Mr Corr urged Gardaí and Meath County Council to "act swiftly” to prevent further incidents.
He added that St Colmcille’s Villas has long been known for its strong community spirit, and residents are “determined to restore peace and safety to the area.”
“Kells is a town built on respect, neighbourliness, and pride. Those values need to be protected,” Mr Corr said.