Fireworks
In Ireland it is illegal to possess fireworks without a licence. New regulations came into law in 2006, which make it an offence to:
- Possess a firework with intent to sell or supply, without a licence
- Light unlicensed fireworks
- Throw a lit firework at any person or property
Apart from being illegal, unlicensed fireworks may also be of dubious quality as they may not comply with manufacturing quality standards and classification requirements.
€10,000 fines
Part 6 of the Criminal Justice Act 2006 amended the Explosives Act 1875 to give the Gardaí the power to make arrests in relation to possession of unlicensed fireworks.
The penalties for offences are very severe - a fine of up to €10,000 and/or five years' imprisonment for possession of unlicensed fireworks with intent to sell or supply.
Simply having fireworks in your possession without a licence is liable to a fine of up to €10,000.
In Ireland, no licensed fireworks can be sold directly to consumers. Licences are only issued for organised events, such as the Dublin Skyfest celebrations, which are undertaken by technically competent professional operators.
New EU rules since July 2010
EU laws have changed regarding the sale and supply of fireworks. Fireworks are now grouped into four categories depending on how hazardous they are and if they require specialist knowledge to use them.
The least hazardous is Category 1 and the most hazardous is Category 4 (which can only be used by professional operators).
Under the new EU laws, Category 1 fireworks are the only fireworks that can be legally bought and used by the public in Ireland. This new law is enforced by the Department of Justice. All other fireworks (apart from those imported under licence) remain illegal.
Category 1 fireworks present a very low hazard to the user, create very little noise, and are intended for use in confined areas, including indoors. These fireworks all contain small amounts of explosives and great care should be taken when using them.
You must be at least 16 years of age to buy Category 1 fireworks and it is an offence for a retailer to sell them to someone under 16 years of age.
Examples of Category 1 fireworks include:
- Bengal flames
- Christmas Crackers
- Crackling granules
- Hand Held sparklers
- Novelty Matches
- Party Poppers
- Snaps
- Table bombs
- Throw downs
All Category 1 fireworks must meet a number of safety requirements and standards and must carry the CE mark to show that they conform to these safety requirements.
What to look out for
When buying Category 1 fireworks:
- Always buy from a reputable supplier
- Always check the label or packaging for the CE Mark and instructions/advice on the safe use of the product. Never buy Category 1 Fireworks without a CE Mark
- Familiarise yourself with any warnings on the product before buying
Category 2, 3 and 4 fireworks present a much greater hazard and noise level. Examples include bangers, rockets, and roman candles.
These fireworks all require a licence and cannot be purchased by the general public from a retailer. They are only available for use in organised displays by professional operators.
Never buy Category 2, 3 or 4 fireworks unless you are licensed to do so.
Find out more
Read more about the CE mark and product safety on our ConsumerConnect.ie website
Download the Department of Justice's general guidance note for consumers on fireworks (PDF, 222KB)
For retailers, the Department of Justice also has a guidance note for importers and distributors of Category 1 fireworks (PDF, 46KB)