Amber Thursday initiative puts safety first in Mayo ahead of June Bank Holiday Weekend
Mayo emergency and safety services unite to promote road, fire and water safety as communities prepare for a busy bank holiday period
The importance of safety ahead of the June Bank Holiday Weekend was highlighted this week as Mayo emergency service personnel and local representatives launched the annual Amber Thursday public safety initiative.
Agencies urged the public to take simple but potentially life-saving precautions during what is traditionally one of the busiest weekends of the year for emergency services.
Amber Thursday is an inter-agency initiative designed to raise awareness of the everyday risks associated with roads, fire and water safety while encouraging responsible behaviour across communities during the busy holiday period.
Launching the initiative, Leas Cathaoirleach of Mayo County Council, Cllr Ger Deere said Amber Thursday serves as an important reminder to prioritise safety whether travelling on roads, spending time at home or visiting waterways and coastal areas.
“Small actions, supported by heightened awareness, can have a significant impact in preventing accidents and safeguarding our communities,” he said.
The initiative promotes safer decision-making on roads, increased vigilance around fire hazards in homes and public spaces, and responsible behaviour near rivers, lakes, beaches and coastal locations.
Mayo County Council Road Safety Officer Frances Mitchell said road safety is a shared responsibility and appealed to all motorists to remain vigilant over the holiday weekend.
“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,” she said.
“With increased traffic and many people travelling on unfamiliar roads, everyone needs to be aware of the risks around them and always put safety first.”
Senior Assistant Chief Fire Officer with Mayo Fire Service Aileen O’Connell said the initiative allows agencies to work together to deliver clear and practical safety advice to communities.
“The June Bank Holiday Weekend can be a very busy time for Mayo Fire Service, with crews responding to incidents including barbeque and domestic fires, road traffic collisions and gorse fires,” she said.
Head of Mayo Roads Policing Inspector David Tiernan echoed the calls for caution, warning that increased traffic volumes place greater responsibility on road users to make safe decisions.
He urged drivers to slow down, avoid distractions, never drive while fatigued or under the influence of drink or drugs, and ensure all occupants are wearing seatbelts.
“A moment of carelessness can have devastating consequences,” he said.
Meanwhile, Water Safety Development Officer Patricia Flynn highlighted the role of Mayo County Council’s water safety services, including professional lifeguard cover, water safety monitoring, signage and the maintenance of safe swimming zones along Mayo’s coastline.
She said Amber Thursday helps raise awareness of the supports available while reinforcing the importance of safe behaviour around water during the summer season.
Pictured at the Amber Thursday launch were: David Tiernan (Inspector, Mayo Roads Policing), David Mellett (Director of Services, MCC), Martina Hughes (Senior Executive Officer, MCC), Siofra Kilcullen (A/Director of Services, MCC), Frances Mitchell (Road Safety Officer, MCC), Aileen O Connell (Deputy Chief Fire Officer, Mayo Fire Service), Leas Cathaoirleach Cllr. Ger Deere, Jason Keane (Station Officer Castlebar, Mayo Fire Service), Patricia Flynn (Water Safety Officer, MCC), Lauren Deely (Head Lifeguard) and Aoibhín Flatley (Head Lifeguard).