"‘Do Not Get Complacent:’" council urges year round caution after safe Amber Thursday

Following a weekend of increased safety awareness, Meath County Council has thanked the public for their cooperation during the Amber Thursday 2025 campaign, launched in advance of the August Bank Holiday Weekend.

The initiative, developed in partnership with An Garda Síochána, Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service, Civil Defence and others aimed to highlight the risks typically associated with the busy holiday weekend particularly on roads, in water and around fire.

While two fatal road traffic collisions occurred nationally, there were no road traffic fatalities in Meath, a positive outcome that the Council and emergency services welcomed.

Audrey Norris, Meath County Council’s Road Safety Officer, said the campaign’s message continues beyond the holiday weekend.

“Do not get complacent,” she warned. “98 people have lost their lives on Irish roads so far this year. The advice we gave ahead of the August Bank Holiday applies every day of the year.”

The Amber Thursday campaign was launched to encourage the public to enjoy the long weekend safely, as increased activity typically results in a spike in accidents. Cathaoirleach Cllr Wayne Harding, noted that it wasn’t about discouraging fun but about keeping people safe.

“Our emergency services have seen too often how quickly things can go wrong, on the road, near water, or due to fire. We want people to enjoy their time off but safely.”

On the fire safety front, Assistant Chief Fire Officer Eoin Murphy previously issued advice around barbecuing and open fires. Fortunately, the weekend remained quiet for the fire service with no major incidents reported across the county.

Meath County Council had urged the public to barbecue only in suitable areas, avoid lighting fires near forests or homes, and to keep water or sand nearby in case of emergencies.

In terms of water safety, the Council reported no major incidents on local beaches, but lifeguards did respond to a number of jellyfish stings, which were attributed to the increased presence of jellyfish along the coast due to warm sea temperatures.

The Council’s Water Safety Section reminded beachgoers to stay informed and cautious.

“Avoid contact with jellyfish. If stung, our lifeguards can help. A jellyfish information board is in place at each lifeguard hut to help identify which species are safe and which should be avoided,” a spokesperson said.

Bernadine Carry, Environment Awareness Officer with responsibility for water safety, stressed the continued need for vigilance near water, especially with 51 drownings reported in Ireland so far in 2025.

“Never swim alone, always stay within your depth, and do not use inflatables on open water. Lakes and rivers, in particular, carry hidden risks,” she said.

On the roads, Inspector Fergus Mulhern of An Garda Síochána also previously urged people to think beyond just driving reminding the public to park responsibly and ensure that emergency access routes remain clear.

“Whether it’s a collision, a drowning, or a fire, the most difficult part of our job is informing families that a loved one has died. Please continue to take care,” he said.

Although the August Bank Holiday Weekend is over, Meath County Council is encouraging everyone to carry forward the lessons of Amber Thursday throughout the year, staying alert, prepared, and safe in all environments.