Safety warning ahead of Bank Holiday Weekend
Pictured at the Amber Thursday launch were, from left: Garda Inspector David Tiernan, Mayo Roads Policing; David Mellett, Director of Services, Mayo County Council; Martina Hughes, Senior Executive Officer, Mayo County Council; Siofra Kilcullen , Director of Services, Mayo County Council; Frances Mitchell, Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council; Aileen O'Connell, Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mayo Fire Service; Cllr Ger Deere, Leas Cathaoirleach, Mayo County Council; Jason Keane, Station Officer, Castlebar, Mayo Fire Service; Patricia Flynn, Water Safety Officer, Mayo County Council; Lauren Deely and Aoibhín Flatley, Head Lifeguards. Picture: Alison Laredo
Leas Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Ger Deere, together with fire, road and water safety officials gathered at the National Museum of Ireland at Turlough Park last week to launch this year’s ‘Amber Thursday’.
Amber Thursday is an inter-agency public safety initiative to raise awareness ahead of the busy June Bank Holiday Weekend of the everyday risks associated with roads, fire and water safety while encouraging communities to take simple but potentially life-saving precautions.
The initiative highlights the importance of responsible behaviour on roads, increased awareness around fire hazards in homes and public spaces and safe practices near rivers, lakes, beaches and coastal areas.
Cllr Deere said: “Amber Thursday serves as an important reminder to prioritise safety throughout the bank holiday weekend — whether travelling on our roads, at home, or near water. Small actions, supported by heightened awareness, can have a significant impact in preventing accidents and safeguarding our communities."
Mayo County Council’s Road Safety Officer Frances Mitchell added: “Road safety is not just an issue for emergency services – it’s a shared responsibility for all road users. Amber Thursday brings that message directly into our communities.
“I am appealing to all road users ahead of the busy June Bank Holiday Weekend to always put safety first when using our roads. With increased traffic and many people using unfamiliar roads to them, everyone needs to be aware of the risks around them."
Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Mayo Fire Service, Aileen O’Connell, stated: “Amber Thursday is an important initiative that allows agencies to work together to deliver clear safety messages that can help protect lives, homes and communities.
"The upcoming June Bank Holiday Weekend can be a very busy time for Mayo Fire Service with the Fire Service responding to a number of different types of incidents including barbeque or domestic fires, road traffic collisions and gorse fires."
Head of Mayo Roads Policing Garda Inspector David Tiernan echoed the calls of the other emergency services saying: “Bank holiday weekends traditionally see increased traffic volumes on or roads and with that comes a greater responsibility for all road users to make safe decisions.
"I am urging all drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, do not drive if fatigued, never drive while under the influence of drink or drugs ensure both you as the driver and your passengers wear their seat belts. A moment of carelessness can have devastating consequences."
Water Safety Development Officer Patricia Flynn stated: “The Water Safety office is proud to support Amber Thursday, as it highlights the essential safety services the council provides across our beaches - including professional lifeguard cover, continuous water safety monitoring, clear signage, and the maintenance of safe swimming zones along Mayo’s coastline."
