Tag Archives: bank holiday

The allocation of garda resources to a West Clare tourism hotspot during the August Bank Holiday weekend has been queried following claims of serious criminal damage and anti-social behaviour. Deputy Violet-Anne Wynne (Ind) says she was informed by residents that there were only two gardaí on patrol in Kilkee that weekend and she didn’t get any reports that additional members were drafted in to assist those on duty who did their best to address issues in difficult circumstances. Highlighting this issue at a recent Joint Policing Committee meeting, Deputy Wynne said it is well known that this is a problematic weekend and recalled that two years ago a garda sergeant was assaulted, and his arm broken, when there were up to 17 members on duty at the time. Two years on from this serious incident, she said it seemed lessons have not be learned as the location of garda resources wasn’t prioritised. In view of the huge influx of people …

The Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI have issued a joint appeal this Bank Holiday weekend for people to be vigilant and to take care on the water and along the coastline. It comes as both organisations note that August was the busiest month for coastal recreational incidents last year. Irish lifeboat crews last August alone responded 217 times to emergencies at sea. With the summer holidays in full swing, it has been a busy time for the search and rescue agencies and this Bank Holiday weekend, the two organisations are warning people to be vigilant and take heed of some simple safety advice. While summer air temperatures may be warm, Irish waters rarely exceed 15C, making them cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which causes the instinctive reaction to gasp and swim hard, which can quickly lead to drowning. As part of its drowning prevention campaign, Respect the Water, the RNLI is calling on the public to …

THE weather is not dampening spirits in Clare this summer, as communities right across the county gear up for a bumper month of festivals, competitions, music, song and dance, with plenty to do for all the family. It all kicks up a notch this weekend as a host of events get off the ground and pave the way for Ennis to hold its second Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann. In East Clare, the Scariff Harbour Festival will play host to Red Hurley and author Michael Harding, with Delorentos and Little Hours entertaining in the Fair Green. There will be fun events, fishing for kids, workshops, the launch of a new cookery school by well-known foodies The Happy Pear and plenty of activities on the waterways. In Feakle, meanwhile, Martin Hayes is tuning up for his annual appearance with Dennis Cahill, as the International Festival of Traditional Irish Music marks its 30th year. This celebration of traditional music will see performances from …

An appeal has been issued by An Garda Síochána to all road users to take extra care over the October Bank Holiday Weekend. Gardaí have cautioned “there will be an increase in traffic as many will be travelling to different parts of the country. The school holidays will also be commencing for all school children, so we appeal to all motorists / motorcyclists to slow down, always wear their seatbelts, wear the appropriate safety clothing at all times, be well rested and never ever drink and drive”. Regional Traffic Superintendent, Western Region, Noel Kelly, said, “ We are anxious to ensure anyone using a vehicle is aware of our Bank Holiday Enforcement Campaign. Garda resources will be deployed with the aim of increasing compliance amongst road users and improving overall road safety. “Motorists are advised that inappropriate speed, Drink driving, seatbelts, poor vehicle lighting and faulty tyres are the greatest contributory factors to road deaths and serious injuries at this time of the …