New fireworks regulations published

New regulations which will reduce the size of loud petards from 15 to 12 centimetres in a bid to dampen their force have been published.

The rules are also limiting the number of loud petards fired in one session to six, apart from the three minutes of the salute.

The regulations introduce a register to log purchases and production. This register would be subject to inspection.

When fireworks were sold a material safety data sheet had to be presented.

The government said that the new regulations were reducing the distance from which smaller, less dangerous fireworks could be let off, to at least 100 metres from an inhabited area or public street rather than the current 150 metres.

This was being done to encourage feasts to opt for less dangerous fireworks as it was easier to let this off from a 100 metre distance.

In a statement, the ministry thanked the Pyrotechnics Association for its cooperation and common sense, which led to this position being taken.

It said that other action could be taken in future and was confident that dialogue and good will would lead to more progress being registered.