Communities across Dublin are being "absolutely terrorised" by fireworks being constantly let off, according to a local Councillor.
Gardaí are being asked to step up efforts to tackle the use of bangers, which usually becomes a problem closer to Halloween.
Daithí Doolan, a Sinn Féin Councillor for the Ballyfermot-Drimnagh area, says the problem will get out of hand if nothing is done.
Speaking on Newstalk Breakfast, Cllr Doolan said the fireworks "don't grow on trees" and are being illegally imported.
He said: "What I see happening is gangs of people, particularly young people, using fireworks as a method of not to celebrate but to terrorise.
"Young people get a bad rap, and sometimes it's deserved, but in this case, these fireworks don't grow on trees.
"These fireworks were illegally imported or smuggled over the border and they were distributed and sold by adults."
Cllr Doolan said the fireworks, which have been going off since July and August, are unacceptable.
He said: "It is wrong, those people involved in this need to take a long hard look at themselves.
"I got phone calls and texts from people last night who were behind locked doors terrified to go out."
He added that he had met with Gardaí in his area who were "at their wit's end" over the fireworks.
"My biggest fear is that we're eight weeks out from Halloween. If we don't tackle it now we'll be in a deeper crisis."
