Laois New Year fireworks show to be considered for Portlaoise but there's a catch

Portlaoise could be in for an exciting New Year's Eve fireworks show, but with one catch.

Laois County Council has agreed to consider the suggestion to hold a legal public fireworks display, made by Portlaoise Municipal District Cllr Tommy Mulligan.

However it says such money is already used up this year, so it won't happen until December 2026. They have listed their funded Christmas events starting this Friday.

Cllr Mulligan tabled a motion with his bright idea to the November district meeting. He says a family friendly show could take place in Fitzmaurice Place public garden, followed by a children's disco and family fun inside the Fort Protector right beside it.

"Laois County Council has made great strides in organising community events in Portlaoise and around the county, in conjunction with the Portlaoise Town Team and DownTown Portlaoise traders.

"I'm looking forward to the events this weekend including the open trad on Saturday with our Laois Rose of Tralee Katelyn Cummins, and the Christmas dance on Sunday.

"I'm looking at this as an additional event. It would be a great way to welcome the new year. I can never recall a celebration to mark New Year's Eve. To my knowledge they only happen in Dublin and Dingle where they get huge tourism for it.

"Parents and children love to attend fireworks. It would attract a lot of tourists. I suggested Fitzmaurice Place because it's open and safe and the fort because it's beside it. It would showcase the plaza," he said.

Cllr Marie Tuohy seconded the motion.

"New Year's Eve is a family night. The word to note is a safe fireworks display. This could prevent other problems," she said.

Cllr Paddy Buggy supports the idea.

"My wife surprised me on our wedding with a fireworks display, this is a wonderful idea. It would add to the festive atmosphere," he said.

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In reply, Laois County Council events official Elaine Moore said that they have organised a number of events following the switch on of Portlaoise Christmas Lights on Main Street Portlaoise this Friday, November 21 at 6.30pm.

It includes two events in the new covered performance theatre in the Old Fort. There will be a Christmas Dance on Sunday afternoon November 23, and a Big Christmas Sing on Sunday, November 30.

"All budgets for 2025 have been spent / allocated, this is something that could be considered in 2026," she said.

Under Irish law, most fireworks can only be bought and used by professional, licenced operators. Only the least dangerous fireworks can be sold to the general public. Fireworks are dangerous. A licence is required to import them to Ireland with storage and sales regulated by the same laws as explosives.