Ahead of the first long weekend of 2024 celebrating St Brigid, the Irish Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland and Garda are all issuing appeals for safety to be at the forefront.
An extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation is taking place throughout this St Brigid’s Bank Holiday Weekend between 7am Thursday 01/02/24 until 7am Tuesday 06/02/24.
Across the weekend, An Garda Síochána will be focussing on the four lifesaver offences: (1) Intoxicated driving; (2) Speeding (3) Use of mobile phones (4) Seatbelt offences.
The risk of a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision is highest between 12 noon & 3pm during the St Brigid’s Day Bank Holiday Weekend and
Garda data shows that the risk of a fatal or serious injury road traffic collision is highest on the Friday of the St Brigid’s Day bank holiday weekend. For the month of January 2024, 18 people lost their lives in road traffic collisions on Irish roads, 1 less for the month of January 2023 and an increase of 4 for January 2022.
The Coast Guard, RNLI and Water Safety Ireland advise everyone intending to take part in any water-based activity or coastal walks to ensure they check in advance what they should do to keep safe.
Anyone observing a person in trouble on the water or along the coast or think they themselves are at risk are advised to call 112 or use VHF radio channel 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
