Govt launches ‘Be Summer Ready’ campaign

The Government has launched its Be Summer Ready campaign, which provides advice for people using beaches and when travelling abroad.

It has warned that the coming months can bring tragedy in the form of farm accidents, drownings and traffic collisions, and it said wildfires were becoming more common.

The Office of Emergency Planning has launched a booklet and published links on www.gov.ie/summerready.

Tánaiste Micheál Martin said the focus this year is on travel as Irish people go abroad in greater numbers.

He said consular assistance was provided last year in 1,700 cases, including helping with lost passports, health concerns and the death of loved ones.

He also issued advice to young people going on holidays after exams.

“We will be promoting simple, smart steps over the coming weeks to make the right memories. Tips likes keeping your phone charged to share live locations with friends, including on nights out,” he said.

“Keeping an eye on your drinks in clubs or bars and keeping soft copies of key documents like passports to hand.”

The Tánaiste said they were aware that “terrible tragedies” had occurred in the past to young people abroad. He also said a new consulate was being opened in Malaga in Spain.

Minister of State Jack Chambers said there had been a shocking rise in road fatalities.

“Summer time is the most dangerous time of year on our roads,” he said, adding that there would be an extensive road safety campaign this summer.