Council Area Has Largest Number of Fireworks Licence's Granted in North

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council area has the largest number of licences for fireworks granted in the entire north. Despite though having 81 fireworks licences granted in 2025, a total of zero have been granted to the council itself (as of 13 October). For many years Council organised a fireworks display every Halloween in Newry City but this stopped in recent times.

The figures were disclosed following a written question to the Stormont Minister of Justice by South Down MLA Colin McGrath.

In reply Justice Minister Naomi Long said "As of 13 October 2025, there has been a total of 263 firework licences granted by the Department for the year 2025. Private displays will include home addresses and also private functions such as wedding venues. Larger displays for public viewing will range from smaller community events to larger council organised and funded events such as Halloween and Christmas celebrations. The types of fireworks used at these events, e.g. garden or display fireworks, will be dependent on the experience of the fireworks display operator. Halloween is the busiest time for firework display applications and a number continue to be processed."

The year-to-date breakdown, to include council area, is as follows: