Fireworks have been thrown into the back of the chapel during Mass in one incident. Fireworks have also been thrown at cars, and objects have been left on roads.

"It's only a matter of time before someone is seriously injured or killed," a garda spokesperson said. "There's a gang of between ten and twenty kids out there every night creating havoc between 6 and 10pm."

A few months ago, local voluntary groups appealed to parents in the area to keep a close eye on their children, after a spate of attacks by vandals on homes near the church.

However, Gardai have seen a dramatic and dangerous increase this week, with the use of fireworks.

"They're out every night throwing fireworks at cars, and even some of them even threw fireworks into the back of the church while Mass was being said. One unfortunate woman had a firework explode under her car.

"They're also putting obstructions in the middle of the road, which are particularly hard for motorists to see on these dark nights."

The garda spokesman warned parents that they have a legal responsibility for their children and could be held liable in the event of injury or criminal damages.

"Not so very long ago, we very successfully introduced a curfew system in the town to deal with persistent offenders. We may well have to bring in the same kind of scheme here, as this continuing anti-social behaviour is completely unacceptable."