Authorities launch ‘Amber Thursday’ safety initiative ahead of August bank holiday weekend
Meath County Council and An Garda Síochána are urging the public to stay safe on roads, near water, and around fire.
With the August Bank Holiday Weekend approaching, Meath County Council and An Garda Síochána have officially launched Amber Thursday, a joint safety initiative aimed at preventing accidents on roads, in water, and from fire-related incidents.
The campaign, named after the colour amber to signal caution or warning, highlights the heightened risk associated with the busy holiday period, when more people take to the roads, enjoy water-based activities, and light barbecues or campfires.
Launching the initiative this week, Cathaoirleach of Meath County Council, Cllr Wayne Harding, was joined by Road Safety Officer Audrey Norris, Environment Awareness Officer Bernadine Carry, Meath County Council Fire and Rescue Service personnel, Meath Civil Defence, and members of An Garda Síochána.
“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,” Cllr Harding said.
“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.”
So far in 2025, 94 people have lost their lives in road traffic collisions across Ireland — including several in Meath, according to Road Safety Officer Audrey Norris said.
“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,” Ms Norris added.
Fire safety is another key focus of the campaign. Assistant Chief Fire Officer Eoin Murphy advised the public to take care when barbecuing or lighting fires outdoors.
He 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.”
Speaking on water safety, Environment Awareness Officer Bernadine Carry encouraged swimmers to stay within their depth, avoid inflatable toys in open water, and never swim alone — especially in rivers and lakes.
Inspector Fergus Mulhern of An Garda Síochána’s Roads Policing Unit added that emergency incidents over the holiday weekend often result in tragic outcomes.
“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,” he said.