Silent fireworks and drone shows could replace traditional displays in Causeway Coast and Glens

Causeway Coast and Glens Borough Council is set to explore the possibility of using silent fireworks or drone shows during future celebrations in the borough.

At November’s Environmental Services Committee meeting, members agreed that potential changes to council-organised firework displays should be discussed at a future meeting of the Leisure and Development Committee.

TUV Councillor Jonathan McAuley said he had received correspondence from several constituents in the week following Halloween, expressing concerns about the effect of fireworks on pets and livestock.

He suggested that the council look into silent fireworks for future events.

Director of Environmental Services, Aidan McPeake, explained that fireworks were the responsibility of the council’s Leisure and Development team.

He said:

“They do the tenders for the events and for fireworks displays throughout the year, so my recommendation would be that the proposal for a silent type firework display be moved to the Leisure and Development Committee for their consideration.”

DUP Councillor Dawn Huggins, who lives in a rural area, said she had witnessed fireworks being set off “all around” over Halloween.

She added:

“So even though we’re going on about the possibility of looking at the silent ones in the towns, we’re never going to stop those who live out in the countryside doing it.”

Alliance Councillor Lee Kane noted that members had previously discussed the potential for drone shows to replace traditional fireworks.

He said:

“I know there’s a higher cost involved in that and I think we had said that we would come back to it in the future, and obviously that is a conversation for the Leisure and Development Committee to have. It’s definitely a conversation for us to continue having.

“There are impacts on pets and livestock, there’s the environmental impact, and there’s almost, I suppose, a changing taste.

“Some conversations I’ve had around fireworks are that, whilst they’re lovely and it’s great to see, we’ve had quite a lot of them. So maybe it’s time to look at something different and something new.”

In conclusion, Committee Chair and DUP Alderman Sharon McKillop said it was “up to members” to raise the issue again at a future Leisure and Development Committee meeting.