Council calls for continued Covid-19 vigilance over bank holiday weekend

AHEAD of the May Bank Holiday Weekend, Clare County Council is urging the people of Clare to maintain their efforts to suppress Covid-19.
“The sacrifices that people have made, combined with the rollout of the vaccination programme, are having an impact, but we all need to continue doing the things that protect us from Covid-19. This will help to reduce the chance of outbreaks in healthcare settings, workplaces, our homes, and schools,” said Pat Dowling, Chief Executive of Clare County Council.
“We have cause for cautious optimism as we look to the future. This is a reflection on the truly commendable commitment that the people of Clare have shown. I understand that many people feel fatigued. The National Public Health Emergency Team (NPHET) has advised that adherence with public health advice, combined with the vaccination programme, is key to exiting this pandemic in the coming months. That prospect gives us huge motivation to move forward.
“As we look ahead to the May Bank Holiday Weekend, I am reminding everyone once again to be mindful of the Covid-19 public health advice and to avoid risky behaviours. We can only maintain a positive trajectory if we continue doing what we have been doing well. Above all, we do not want to jeopardise our health, wellbeing and future progress.
“We must protect that progress. I want to thank everyone for their efforts. Stay safe,” he said.
In addition to adhering to public health advice, people in Clare are also reminded to take personal responsibility with regard to litter disposal if they are in public areas during the bank holiday weekend, and to use the bins provided.
Clare County Council has confirmed that it is providing additional significant resources in the areas of public toilet facilities, and litter and traffic management.
Toilet facilities, including baby changing facilities, will be operational this weekend and throughout the summer season at Spanish Point, White Strand, Fanore, Lahinch, Kilkee and Cappa. Additional toilet facilities will be provided, where deemed necessary, at these and other popular visitor locations during the summer months. These facilities will be maintained regularly each day.
Additional public bins are being provided at coastal locations and will be emptied a number of times per day by local authority staff. Clare County Council is requesting individuals and groups to ensure all empty packaging or picnic waste is taken home or alternatively deposited in the public bins.
Clare County Council is also deploying Community Officers and Beach Ambassadors at busy coastal locations to assist with traffic management, maintaining public amenities and litter management, and to respond to any requests for assistance or queries from tourists and locals alike.
Clare County Council, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána and other agencies, want families and all visitors to beaches to enjoy themselves this weekend and over the summer, but to be mindful of Covid-19 guidance and of their responsibility to other visitors, local residents and to the local environment.
The public is advised that lifeguards are not on duty at Blue Flag beach locations during May. The public should use caution and avoid swimming in non-designated bathing areas. Lifeguard services will commence during the June Bank Holiday Weekend. Water safety advice is available from www.watersafety.ie.