Latest news with #BankHolidayWeekend
Sunday World
2 days ago
- Sunday World
Drivers urged to be aware of pedestrians and cyclists over Bank Holiday Weekend
'We don't want to have to call to anybody's door to deliver bad news over the course of this weekend' Gardai have issued a special appeal for drivers to be 'particularly mindful of the risks associated with vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists' over the Bank Holiday Weekend. They are urging everyone to stay safe as bank holidays are the busiest periods on Irish roads. In a fresh appeal posted across social media platforms this afternoon, Chief Superintendent, Roads Policing, David Harrington, asked all road users 'to pay additional care and attention to how they use our road networks'. Chief Superintendent David Harrington issues a new appeal News in 90 Seconds - May 30th He highlighted vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists as he appealed to all drivers, 'to reduce speed, remove distractions such as mobile phones, wear their seatbelts and under no circumstances ever drive under the influence of drink or drugs'. 'We don't want to have to call to anybody's door to deliver bad news over the course of this weekend,' Chief Super Harrington said. 'People should be enjoying themselves and carrying out safe journeys across the country so please be mindful of your behaviour on the roads this weekend. Two people were killed and six others were left with life-threatening injuries over the recent May bank holiday weekend. Gardaí had carried out a major roads policing operation nationwide from the morning of Thursday, May 1 until Tuesday, May 6, in a bid to improve road safety. During the operation gardaí carried out more than 1,000 Mandatory Intoxicant Testing (MIT) checkpoints, which resulted in over 13,000 breath tests and around 280 oral fluid tests. A total of 187 people were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. More than 3,000 drivers were clocked driving above the legal speed limit. Gardaí issued hundreds of Fixed Charge Notices for additional road safety offences, including over 270 for using mobile phones while driving, more than 340 for unaccompanied learner drivers, and 115 for not wearing seatbelts. In total, 147 vehicles were seized from learner drivers who were driving unaccompanied, while 444 vehicles were taken off the road for having no tax or insurance.
Irish Independent
2 days ago
- Climate
- Irish Independent
June Bank Holiday in Cork: Warnings, wet weather, and the promise of some sunshine
The HSE is asking people to be especially careful around the water this long weekend Today at 07:54 Despite the mixed weather forecast for this June Bank Holiday weekend, the HSE are still urging people across Cork City and County to look after their skin in the sun. Met Éireann has predicted heavy showers and thundery spells up and down the country across the Bank Holiday Weekend, with Monday showing an extremely heavy band of rain sweeping across the island, bringing wash-out weather to finish off one of the summer's major bank holiday weekends. However, down here in Cork we can apparently expect some sunshine on Sunday, with bright and dry spells expected, albeit breezy and cool. It's why the HSE have been reminding the public, even despite the cool temperatures, to protect their skin from the sun, as well as staying safe around the water. The health authority is also encouraging people to think about all their healthcare options before going to the Emergency Department. It says many health services will be open over the weekend, including pharmacies, Injury Units and GP Out-of-Hours service SouthDoc, despite leading politicians saying the public is being misled over the availability of the Blackpool centre. The HSE says Ireland's UV rays are strong enough to damage skin, even when it's cloudy. Ireland's UV index is currently in the 'high' bracket (6-7) under clear skies, while still moderate (3-5) when there is cloud cover, enough to cause skin damage. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer, with over 11,000 new cases diagnosed every year, and therefore the HSE is urging people to wear clothing, put on suncream, wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses, and seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm. 'Spending time outdoors is such an important part of summer, but it is important that children and adults are protected and safe in the sun,' said Shirley O'Shea, the Senior Health Promotion and Improvement Officer - Cancer Prevention for the South West. The executive is also asking people to be extra careful when near water. According to statistics from Water Safety Ireland, 56 people died accidentally in water last year across Ireland, with lifeguards rescuing 202 more from the water. Minor injury units in Gurranabraher, Mallow, and Bantry are also available for those who do have a knock or tumble throughout the weekend and can be a great alternative to avoid the lengthy waiting times at A&E departments across the county. However, for those who do need urgent treatment, the National Ambulance Service is also asking members of the public visiting and using amenities - including access gates to sporting grounds and pitches - to park carefully and to allow space for access by the emergency services if needed. ADVERTISEMENT 'We ask the public to remember that in the event of an emergency, ambulances may need to access beaches and other amenity sites. Please make sure that you don't block that access,' said Barry Hayes, Assistant Chief Ambulance Officer, NAS South West.
The Journal
2 days ago
- Climate
- The Journal
Unsettled weather with spells of heavy rain forecast over June Bank Holiday Weekend
A RAINY JUNE Bank Holiday Weekend is being forecast, with spells of heavy rain into Monday. It was a rather cloudy start for most this morning, with some patchy mist and drizzle clearing. The cloud will break up later too, with sunny spells and mostly dry weather throughout the afternoon. While Met Éireann forecasts that there'll be some isolated showers at times, most areas will stay dry, with highest temperatures of 16 to 20 degrees. A largely dry night is in store, with good clear spells though cloud will slowly push in from the west overnight, with some mist patches forming. However, the weather will turn unsettled on Saturday, with a band of rain spreading east across the country with strengthening southwesterly winds. The rain will be followed by a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, some of which could be heavy in the northwest for a time, with highest temperatures of 14 to 18 degrees. Advertisement Saturday night meanwhile will be quite blustery and showers will stream across the country, some of which will be heavy and possibly thundery in the west and northwest as the night goes on. Into Sunday morning, it'll be breezy with a mix of sunshine and showers, again possibly heavy in the north for a time early in the morning. It will stay rather overcast and unsettled through the afternoon and evening, with highest temperatures of 13 to 17 degrees. The showers will die out later on Sunday evening, with cloud breaking up too. Longer clear spells will then develop, especially in the east overnight. And while Bank Holiday Monday will start out largely fine and dry with sunny spells, cloud will push in from the west later and it'll become rather cloudy by the afternoon. Rain will move in from the west later in the evening, turning heavy at times too, with highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees. Meanwhile, current indications suggest Tuesday will be another very unsettled day with rain spreading over the country and turning heavy at times. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
RTÉ News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- RTÉ News
Things to do in Dublin this long weekend (May 30 - June 2)
With a long bank holiday weekend stretching out before us, now is the perfect time to plan your next day out, whether it be to Ireland's premier garden festival or a night on the town enjoying improv comedy. A staple of the June Bank Holiday Weekend, Bord Bia Bloom is an extravaganza of food, fashion, flowers and craft. Now celebrating its 19th year, Ireland's premier garden festival takes place across 70 beautiful acres of Dublin's Phoenix Park from Thursday, 29 May - Monday, 2 June. Full price day tickets cost €30. 2. Marvel Pub Quiz Do you know your Spider-Man from your Hawkeye? Your Ant-Man from your Black Widow? This Saturday, 31 May, Board Dublin - a bar specialising in no and low alcoholic drinks - is hosting a Marvel pub quiz, so put your thinking caps on and get ready to assemble. Free booking, please book in groups of two or more people. 3. Free screening at the IFI Join the Irish Film Institute for free daily lunchtime screenings of films from the IFI Irish Film Archive. Simply collect your tickets online (with a small booking fee) or at IFI Box Office and sit down to something you've likely never seen before. This week's screening is A Church is Built, a 27 minute film shows the construction of The Church of the Redeemer in Dundalk, designed by architect Frank Corr, from the discussion of the first plans to the blessing of the finished building. 4. Solve-Along-A Murder She Wrote The Lighthouse Cinema is hosting an interactive screenings of classic Murder, She Wrote episodes. This Monday will see games, prizes and audience participation as attendees attempt to solve the case of the episode, Old Habits Die Hard. There are 3:30pm and 8:30pm screenings. Tickets cost €25. The Music Presents: Dublin miniFEST — an electrifying night of live music, good vibes, and unforgettable energy taking place in Fibber Magees on Parnell Street. Tickets cost €23.18 and guests can expect local and touring musicians including Lavery, Laura C, and Elvis Poko. 6. Auto-Correbt & Friends BYOB Comedy Show Comedy group Auto-Correbt are hosting a night in Dublin's Pearse Centre featuring a series of sketches, characters and stories - all created in the moment. Don't worry, though, no one will get pulled on stage from the audience, so you're safe as an audience member. This BYOB event will take place on Sunday, 1 June, from 7:45pm - 10pm. Tickets are €12 while student / unwaged tickets are €6. 7. Chappell Roan Themed Pottery Painting Night Taking place on Saturday, 31 May, from 7pm - 9pm in Smithfield, Dublin Pottery are hosting a femininomenon-al event whereby attendees can enjoy a special Chappel Roan-themed night with HOT TO GO! inspired designs, music, suprises and more. €5 guarantees your spot and ceramics can be bought in the studio. Sylvia Ferguson is hosting outdoor yoga in Marlay Park on Friday morning from 9.30am - 10.30am. Tickets cost €18 and the class is a mixed-ability yoga flow that is suitable for everyone. If it's dry, bring your yoga mat. If it's raining, bring a raincoat and sturdy shoes. Warm layers are essential.
Irish Independent
3 days ago
- Irish Independent
June bank holiday road safety appeal issued by Gardaí – ‘We don't want to have to call to anybody's door this weekend'
The long weekend will see many people across the country gathering to attend social events, including high-profile events such as Bord Bia Bloom in Phoenix Park in Dublin and BikeFest in Killarney, Co Kerry. Gardaí are preparing for a visible enforcement presence across the country, monitoring for dangerous road behaviour as part of an extensive Garda Roads Policing Operation lasting until Tuesday, June 3. So far this year, 68 people have been killed on Irish roads. The June bank holiday road safety appeal focuses on the theme of drink driving, with warnings issued over the dangers of driving while under the influence of any illicit substances. The appeal comes following RSA research that revealed a stark contrast between off-peak and peak hours of drink driving from 2016-2020, with 70pc of driver fatalities during off-peak hours, between 10pm and 6am, testing positive for alcohol, compared to 21pc during peak times. The appeal was launched off the N83 roundabout in Tuam, Co Galway, with Transport Minister Seán Canney, Garda Chief Superintendent of the Garda National Roads Policing Bureau David Harrington and RSA officials in attendance. Speaking at the event, Minister Canney said: 'We're here in Tuam launching an appeal to all drivers for this bank holiday weekend to have respect for everybody else on the roads. 'Speed, distraction, drink and drugs and seatbelts are the four major issues that cause accidents. We want to reduce the number of accidents and want everybody to have a nice weekend, enjoy themselves and make sure we have an accident-free weekend.' Chief Superintendent Harrington said: 'As we approach this June Bank Holiday Weekend, I'd like to appeal to all road users to pay extra care and attention in their use of our road networks, particularly in respect of our vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and cyclists. 'I would ask all drivers to reduce speed, wear their seatbelts, remove distractions such as mobile phones and under no circumstances drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. ADVERTISEMENT 'We don't want to have to call to anybody's door to deliver bad news over the course of this weekend when people should be enjoying themselves and carrying out safe journeys across the country. Please be mindful of your behaviour on the roads this weekend.' The appeal comes off the back of a devastating weekend on Irish roads, where four women were killed in separate incidents in Wexford, Clare, Meath and Tyrone. RSA spokesperson Sarah O'Connor urged the public to be vigilant on the roads, noting the lasting impact a tragedy can have. 'Every single one of those collisions is the most devastating day in a family's life, but the devastation doesn't go away after that day – it marks a community, family and friend group,' she said. 'What we're really saying for this bank holiday weekend is we can change this; we can turn this around for the remainder of the month and for the month of June. There were 11 fatalities last June in Ireland, there were 55 across the last five Junes in Ireland. 'What would this June be like if there were none? Could we all buy into that and change our behaviour and adapt to keep this June a very safe month? The reality is that the impact is so tragic and so marked. 'We deal very regularly with advocates, the minister has been meeting with advocates extensively in the last number of months, and the loss is so profound. 'We're really asking people to make small, manageable decisions so that you do not hurt anyone, and you do not get hurt this weekend and this month.'
