Mayo public safety initiative launched ahead of busy holiday period
The cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Councillor Sean Carey, has joined with fire, road and water safety officials from Mayo County Council and members of An Garda Siochana to launch ‘Amber Thursday,’ which is Thursday next, July 31, ahead of the upcoming August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Amber Thursday is a joint media campaign to promote fire, road and water safety guidance ahead of the busy Bank Holiday Weekend, and to raise awareness of the numerous risks associated with fire, road and water-based activities – including using barbeques, swimming and making journeys on our roads.
Councillor Carey said: "The August Bank Holiday weekend is one of the busiest times around the county, with thousands of people coming home to Mayo to enjoy it with friends and family.
“This influx of visitors sees our roads busier, our beaches see huge numbers flocking to them and people enjoying themselves with family and friends. I want to encourage everybody to enjoy the weekend – but to do so safely.
“Our emergency services and personnel do trojan work each day, and I want to thank them for all the do in protecting the lives of the people of Mayo.
“Amber Thursday is a day to remind everyone that there are risks every time you use a road, go into the water and interact with anything flammable, so take a minute to make sure you are doing everything as safely as possible.”
Road Safety Officer with Mayo County Council, Frances Mitchell, added: “I am urging to all road users that includes - motorists, pedestrians, cyclists, and e-scooter users to put safety to the top of their minds when using roads around the county.
“With increased traffic particularly in tourist areas and with many of the visitors to the county using roads that may be unfamiliar to them I’m asking everyone to slow down and take their time.
Patrica Flynn, water safety officer with Mayo County Council said: “The upcoming August Bank Holiday weekend is one of the busiest periods on our beaches and waterways each year.
"We are fortunate to have 11 Blue Flag and nine Green Coast awards for our beaches and thousands of people will use them this coming weekend.
"We will have lifeguards on duty across a number of our beaches, for more information on where they will be on duty and the times they will be on duty.
"I also want to remind the public to play their part to ensure that everyone stays safe, especially young children and to leave inflatable toys at home, as they are not safe or suitable for open water use.
Chief Fire Officer with Mayo County Council, Tony Shevlin, reminded the public that the upcoming Bank Holiday weekend to always think safety when using an open flame and with a barbeque which is a popular Bank Holiday weekend activity.
He said: “If you are planning to have a barbecue this weekend remember you should never leave the barbecue unattended and always keep a bucket of water or sand nearby for emergencies.
“To lessen the risk of injuries, or damage to property, ensure the barbecue is placed on a flat site, well away from your house/apartment, trees, or shrubs and never barbecue on a balcony.”
“He also urged people not to light fires near forests and when parking to think and do not park anywhere that could block access for emergency services.”
PHOTO: Pictured ahead of Amber Thursday, which takes place on Thursday, July 31st were, Front row (left to right): John Condon, (Director of Services, Mayo County Council), Catherine Mc Connell, (Director of Services, Mayo County Council), Cllr. Sean Carey (Cathaoirleach Mayo County Council), Conrad Harley (Acting Head of Roads, Mayo County Council) and Martina Hughes, (Senior Executive Officer, Corporate Development and Communications, Mayo County Council)
Back row (Left to Right): Frances Mitchell, (Road Safety Officer, Mayo County Council), Adrian Finnegan, (National Ambulance Service), Michael Dalton (Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Mayo County Council), Dermott Duffy (Sub Station Officer, Mayo Fire Service), David Tiernan (Garda Inspector, Mayo Roads Policing) , Clodagh Kavanagh (Beach Lifeguard), Patricia Flynn, (Water Safety Officer, Mayo County Council), Sarah Gallagher (Head Beach Lifeguard), Garda Pauric Naughton and Garda Brian Cosgrove.