Deaths in farm animals have been linked to sky lanterns because livestock and other animals can eat the little wires that are left behind. A source in the Irish Coast Guard said people planning to drop Chinese lanterns into the sky are required by law to inform air traffic control authorities and the coast guard in case they are mistaken for emergency torches. Clare Ryan of New Inn, Co Tipperary, said she had discovered the remains of several celestial lanterns on her land. The release of lanterns is becoming increasingly popular at weddings, fundraisers and celebrations like children`s birthday parties, but they eventually fall back to earth and some consider the practice a form of rubbish. Members of Fingal and Kildare Council are calling for a ban on releasing Chinese helium lanterns and balloons during celebrations, saying they are harmful to the environment and can start fires. The report states: «There is a risk of damage to wildlife and livestock – ingestion, entanglement, capture, panic – of the balloons and celestial lanterns released.» «We couldn`t stay at home for two to six months because of the fire. Look at how dangerous these Chinese lanterns are. The report continues: «Both also contribute to land degradation through garbage and waste. The Chief Fire Officers Association, the National Farmers` Union, the Women`s Farmers Union, the Marine Conservation Society, the Country Land Owners Association and the RSPCA are among those urging individuals to use alternatives to sky lanterns and asking event planners and retailers to use alternatives as well. STORMONT has been urged to follow the example of the Isle of Man and make it illegal to release celestial lanterns or helium balloons. «The thing about Chinese lanterns in general, ropes can cause tangles, just like bamboo ropes. They are dangerous for animals in the water, including fields,» she added. According to the festival`s website, in the evening, participants will light their personalized celestial lanterns with tiki torches and «let them fly.» Chinese lanterns are banned in Austria, Australia and most of Germany for fire safety reasons.

Lights Fest`s website states that their lanterns are 100% biodegradable, contain no metal wiring, and are made of rice paper, string, and bamboo. They also state that they treat the rice paper to make sure it is fire resistant. Due to the different risks, lanterns were excluded from sale in Austria, Australia, most of Germany and several other regions. On the positive side, manufacturers like Sky Orbs have developed more environmentally friendly lanterns that include both biodegradable frames and «flame retardant» bases. Laws on the sale and publication of celestial lanterns have been introduced around the world. They are banned in more than two dozen states in the United States, and the National Association of State Fire Marshals has already called on states to ban the sale and use of sky lanterns. A ban on releasing Chinese lanterns and balloon masses from community property in Co Antrim could be on the way, as it turns out that Lights Fest is scheduled for August 18, 2018 and will include live music, dancing and thousands of festival-goers releasing celestial lanterns – small paper hot air balloons. Chinese or celestial lanterns have become increasingly common, especially among groups celebrating special occasions such as weddings and birthdays. They have also been introduced at concerts and festivals. With their unpredictable movements, lanterns and dim light are often confused with UFOs. «A call for councils to use alternatives at their events and to ban the release of celestial lanterns on their own lands has also been issued by many of these organizations.

Let go and enjoy! Be sure to wait until you feel an attraction of the Chinese lantern before releasing armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, please ensure that the local community, residents, local stakeholders, businesses, charities and visitors have the opportunity to fully understand the impact of the massive balloon and lantern releases and comment on our future proposals. The Chief Fire Officers Association, the National Farmers` Union, the Women`s Farmers Union, the Marine Conservation Society, the Country Land Owners Association and the RSPCA are among those urging individuals to use alternatives to sky lanterns and asking event planners and retailers to use alternatives as well. Organizers of the event say they have adapted the lanterns to make sure they land on the punchestown property so they can be easily picked up. Although fire risk has become the most vocal argument for stricter regulation, some have warned of other risks associated with sky lanterns. Critics have pointed out that they can pose a danger to aircraft. Farmers and farming groups, meanwhile, have expressed particular concern about the potential consequences of waste left behind by expired lanterns. The sale was then banned from 2015, but it was not illegal to acquire them outside the island. There is a permanent ban on the supply of sky lanterns in Australia.

They are illegal in Brazil and caused a fire in the velodrome built for the Rio Olympics. Councillors are advised to ban lanterns and balloons from their property for safety reasons and the impact they have on animals and the environment. A landowner in Tipperary has called on the public not to let go of celestial lanterns, often referred to as Chinese lanterns, because of the dangers they pose to livestock, crops and property. The Manx National Farmers` Union was among the first to call in 2014 for the items to be made illegal after a cow died swallowing lantern wire. Chinese lanterns are made of paper and are supported by a light metal or bamboo frame. When a small candle is lit inside, the warm air causes the lantern to expand like a balloon and float in the sky. In Ireland, flying Chinese lanterns is illegal without prior permission from the Irish Aviation Authority. However, since the lanterns themselves are not illegal, they are still readily available for sale. As the campaign to regulate or strictly ban sky lanterns in the UK gains ground, it seems likely that the debate here will be revived in the near future. The IAA`s safety guideline on sky lanterns states that no individual or group can release more than 20 sky lanterns in a single launch. «About 20 lanterns were dropped and floated towards Poulnamuca and Clonmel,» she told the Irish Farmers Journal. However, the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) told The Green News that such a release «would be illegal unless a permit is granted».

Celestial lanterns are increasingly used for social occasions such as weddings and birthday parties. Celestial lanterns have been the cause of fires around the world. A celestial lantern set fire to a house in England in 2011. A similar incident occurred in Ireland in 2015. Sky lanterns are also said to pose a fire hazard and, as the Council has a long coastline, if released into the sea, they can significantly hamper inshore rescue services. Fire organizations and politicians were quick to call for the regulation of increasingly popular skylights after the incident.