Kildare County Council Promotes Safety Awareness on Amber Thursday
28 May 2026: Kildare County Council is proud to support Amber Thursday ahead of the June bank holiday weekend. This initiative brings together Fire, Road and Water Safety Officers from across Ireland to promote safety awareness and highlight the risks associated with fire, road and water-based activities over the summer season.
With more people using waterways and partaking in garden and other outdoor activities along with the higher volume of traffic on the roads, the June bank holiday weekend can be a busy time for emergency and rescue services. Ahead of the weekend Safety Officers are urging members of the public to be mindful of the risks and dangers associated with fire, road and water-based activities such as barbeques, swimming or driving and to take steps to stay safe.
Road Safety
Key factors affecting road safety include speeding, drink or drug driving, the non-wearing of a seatbelt and driver fatigue. Always ensure you have planned a safe journey home. A single road death can affect a whole community, leaving a lasting effect for many years.
Water Safety
Swimming is advised at designated bathing areas where lifeguards are on duty. In the absence of designated bathing areas, people are advised to swim at known safe traditional bathing areas with ringbuoys in place. Before swimming, ensure somebody knows your location and always ensure that the ringbuoy is in its yellow box before entering the water.
If in trouble:
- Float to Live
- Control Breathing
- Call for Help
- In emergencies call 999 or 112
Fire Safety
Members of the public are reminded of the risks from fires occurring outdoors, in the home or in the garden. A small fire can escalate quickly if not safely managed. It is illegal to burn waste outdoors and barbeques or campfires should not be lit in parks, wildland areas or close to vegetation or trees. Care should also be taken not to discard any disposable barbecues or cigarette butts on the ground.
Dermot Scully, Assistant Chief Fire Officer, Kildare County Council said: “Disposable barbecues can pose a serious fire risk, especially during dry weather. We are asking the public not to use them in wooded or grassy areas, never to leave them unattended, and to always have water nearby. Keep children and animals well away, and ensure the BBQ is fully extinguished before leaving. Hot ashes should never be placed in bins.”
Speaking at the national launch of Amber Thursday Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer T.D., at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, said: “There is an increase in activities on our roads, in waters or around fire during the summer months, which also brings with it a lot of risks and hazards for people. We want to remind everyone to think ahead when planning their activities and think about the safety aspects when planning their events. Fire safety, road safety and water safety are extremely important elements which many may forget about or simply take for granted. Of course, we want people to enjoy themselves, but just to have safety in mind while doing so.”
