Gardaí have seized illegally held fireworks in two West Clare towns as part of searches carried out under Operation Tombola.
Gardaí conducted an operation into the sale and supply of illegally held fireworks in the Kilkee and Kilrush areas last Friday 3rd and yesterday, Wednesday 8th October 2025.
Officers from the Clare Divisional Crime Task Force and Kilrush Detective Office, assisted by members from Kilrush Community Engagement, Ennis and Shannon Crime Units, as well as the Dog Unit and other Regional Units carried undertook the operation.
This searches were conducted in response to an increase in anti-social behaviour involving the use of fireworks and complaints from members of the public.
In total, five premises were searched, resulting in fireworks to the value of €700 being seized. A total of 37 packages were seized, some containing a number of fireworks.
Investigations are ongoing.
Operation Tombola (launched on 1st October 2023) sees An Garda Síochána work with partners and stakeholders to increase understanding on the harm fireworks may cause as Halloween approaches, while also highlighting the legislation which prevents the possession of unlicensed fireworks.
The sale, possession or use of fireworks in this country is illegal. It is also illegal to possess any fireworks that may have been legally purchased outside of the jurisdiction and then brought into the State and Gardaí will confiscate any fireworks found in the possession of persons and such persons are also liable to prosecution.
Fireworks can cause great distress to farm animals and family pets and there is always the possibility of outbreaks of fires in properties if fireworks continue to burn after landing.
Anyone with any information relating to the illegal use or sale of fireworks is asked to contact their local Garda station or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.