Day of Action for ‘Amber Thursday’ - Fire, Road and Water Safety

South Dublin County Council (SDCC) is happy to work with our colleagues in  other Local Authorities and An Garda Síochána (AGS) on this National Day of Action for ‘Amber Thursday’ …Fire Safety , Road Safety and Water Safety.

Fire, road and water safety promotion officers from the Local Authority, Water Safety Ireland and other key stakeholders have prepared this national promotional campaign on social media, to urge the public to be aware of the risks and dangers every time they use a road, go into the water and interact with anything flammable, and to take a minute to make sure what they are doing is safe and responsible.

Minister of State, Jerry Buttimer T.D., at the Department of Rural and Community Development and the Gaeltacht, joined fire, road and water safety personnel in County Wexford last week, as part of the launch of ‘Amber Thursday’. 

Speaking at the event, Minister Buttimer 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.’

Mayor of South Dublin Cllr Pamela Kearns said

‘As we head into the June Bank Holiday weekend,  more people will be using waterways and partaking in garden and other outdoor activities such as barbecues, and in addition there will be an anticipated increase in people using the roads. ‘Amber Thursday’ is 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 significant impact in preventing accidents and safeguarding our communities. I would ask everyone to enjoy the good weather, but to please be vigilant and always put safety first, particularly on our roads.’

Road Safety Officer at South Dublin County Council Orlaith Maguire said

“Bank holiday weekends can be a busy time for our emergency services. Too often we are hearing about another tragic incident on our roads, which has taken a life or caused life changing injuries to someone . I am appealing to motorists over this bank holiday weekend, to yes enjoy the weather, but make safe choices,  do NOT drive under the influence of either alcohol or drugs, do NOT use your mobile phone while driving and make sure all the passengers in your vehicle are wearing a seatbelt.  So far this year 69 (27-05-26) people have lost their lives on Irish roads, so please on this National Day of Action ‘ Amber Thursday’ make a conscious effort to make the right decision in relation to yours and your loved ones road safety over the coming days, collectively we can make a difference, lead by example’.

Inspector Michael Houlihan, Garda National Roads Policing Bureausaid

“This National Day of Action ‘Amber Thursday’ Fire / Road and Water safety, is to highlight the dangers associated with use of flammable materials, our roads and our waterways.  The June bank holiday weekend is the real start of summer for most people, and  it is also one of the busiest weekends of the year. All members of An Garda Siochana attached to the Dublin Division are committed to working with our colleagues across other agencies to ensure the safety of the public .  In 2025 188  people tragically lost their lives on Irish Roads, that was 188 empty seats at the table.  I am appealing to all road users over this bank holiday weekend to stop and think about road safety, their driving behaviours and make the safe decision.  There will be active check points on our roads throughout the weekend. ”.

Chief Fire Officer Paul O Reilly,  Dublin Fire Brigade said

‘This ‘Amber Thursday’ initiative allows agencies to work together to deliver a clear and practical safety message to our communities. The June Bank Holiday weekend can be a very busy time for Dublin Fire Brigade Service with crews responding to incidents including but not limited to barbeque and domestic fires, road traffic collisions and gorse fires.  I would ask through this awareness campaign that members of the public act responsibly and make safe choices and decisions if using flammable materials this weekend.’

Joanne Walsh, CEO, Water Safety IrelandWater Safety Ireland said,

‘Amber Thursday reminds us that safety must come first, as more people enjoy Ireland’s waterways during the summer months, Water Safety Ireland urges the public to take sensible precautions, stay away from edges, wear a lifejacket when boating and supervise children closely at all times.