Fingal Put Bank Holiday Safety First

Fingal County Council’s Road Safety Officer has joined forces with the emergency services to issue a public safety warning ahead of the June bank holiday weekend.

Amber Thursday is a joint initiative of fire, water, road safety and policing services which takes place annually on the Thursday before the June bank holiday weekend. Fingal County Council’s Active Travel and Operations departments have joined forces with An Garda Síochana and Dublin Fire Brigade to urge the public to stay safe while enjoying weekend festivities.

With good weather predicted for the official start of the bathing season, kick off of sailing season and an increased number of people travelling long distances by road, now is the ideal time to pause and plan for a safe and fun weekend.

Whether relaxing at home, on the beach, in the park or on our waterways it is important to be mindful of safety advice and take all necessary precautions to prevent the likelihood of a tragic accident. This includes paying attention to signage and security staff or gardaí at beaches, parks and events you may travel to over the course of the weekend. Signage is in place at venues like these to ensure the fire and ambulance services can get essential access in the event of an emergency.

Mayor of Fingal, Councillor Adrian Henchy, says ‘We have become used to hearing of road deaths, which are this year at an all-time high in Ireland, but this does not have to be the norm. We can each make small changes to improve our own safety and the safety of those we love, reducing pressure on our emergency services and leading to better outcomes when the emergency services attend.’

David Storey, Director of Environment, Climate Action, Active Travel and Sport says ‘As a local authority we are responsible for road safety in Fingal, water safety on our beaches is also a very high priority particularly as we mark the start of bathing season this weekend. We are appealing to the public to think before you act this weekend. If you’re driving be alert at the wheel and slow your speed to save lives.’

Larry Bergin, Fingal’s Road Safety Officer, says ‘Speed kills and so does distraction at the wheel. Before you get behind the wheel this weekend, take a moment to consider how you can be part of the effort to stop the rising tide of road deaths and make the bank holiday weekend memorable for the right reasons. Plan long journeys to include rest breaks and leave your mobile phone in your pocket, that way you can enjoy the journey and not just the destination.’

Sergeant Terri Ferguson, Community Policing Unit, An Garda Siochana, says ‘While the bank holiday gives you an opportunity to relax please do so safely. Don’t ruin your bank holiday plans. Never, ever drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol and pay attention to the speed limit.’

John Keogh, Third Officer Dublin Fire Brigade says ‘While people should enjoy outdoor amenities such as parks and beaches, they should ensure that they park legally and not obstruct the emergency services. Please leave at least 3.7 metres of road space for fire appliances and ambulances to pass.’