Amber Thursday was launched as the August Bank Holiday Weekend has typically been earmarked as a potentially dangerous time, with increased traffic on our roads, more people using our waterways, and more people partaking in activities that can result in domestic fires such as barbecues.
To collaboratively launch Amber Thursday, the colour amber signifying a hazard or warning, Meath County Council's Cathaoirleach Cllr Wayne Harding was joined at Navan Fire Station by Road Safety Officer Audrey Norris, Environment Awareness Officer with responsibility for water safety Bernadine Carry, personnel from the Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service and Meath Civil Defence, and members of An Garda Síochána.
Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council Cllr Wayne Harding said: “We are not trying to stop people enjoying themselves this weekend, but we just want to highlight the risks associated with some common activities as our emergency services and partners in An Garda Síochána have seen them go wrong many times.
“There are very real dangers associated with using our roads and waterways or lighting fires in open or domestic areas, so please heed all of the warnings and be extra cautious this August Bank Holiday Weekend.”
Meath County Council Road Safety Officer Audrey Norris said: "So far this year, 94 people have sadly lost their lives across the country in road traffic collisions, including a number of tragic incidents here in Meath. The August Bank Holiday Weekend is a time for many people to relax, spend time with family, and partake in their favourite recreational activities, but it is not a time to get complacent on the roads.
"Please slow down, wear your seatbelt, put the phone away and never ever drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol."
Assistant Chief Fire Officer at Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Eoin Murphy said: “When barbecuing, avoid serious injury and damage to your property by always barbecuing on a flat site well away from your place of residence and any trees or shrubbery. Using petrol to light your barbecue or leaving it unattended are two of the common mistakes people make. Keep a bucket of water or sand nearby in the event of an emergency.
“In addition to this, please do not light fires in or near forests, recreational areas or other amenities, as these fires can spread quickly and put people, property and animals at risk.”
Environment Awareness Officer with responsibility for water safety, Bernadine Carry said: "Please enjoy the water safely this Bank Holiday Weekend and be aware of the dangers of swimming and other water activities. Always swim within your depth, do not use inflatable toys on open water. If swimming in lakes and rivers, please be very mindful that these are higher risk areas so be extra cautious and never swim alone."
Inspector Fergus Mulhern, Roads Policing, An Garda Síochána said: "Whether it's due to a collision on our roads, a drowning incident or a serious fire, telling families their loved one has passed away remains the most difficult part of our job.
“In addition to using the road carefully this weekend, I would also like to encourage the public to park responsibly and never block emergency access routes.”