The national ‘Be Summer-Ready’ campaign was launched today by the Government of Ireland to inform people about safety and other risks that may affect them during the summer months.
The focus of this year’s fifth annual campaign is to ‘Travel Wise’, with the aims of making the public aware of staying safe while travelling abroad this summer and advising on preparations prior to travel.
Met Éireann head of forecasting, Eoin Sherlock (far left), alongside Minister for Defence and Tánaiste, Michael Martin and Minister of State with responsibility for the Coast Guard, Jack Chambers, T.D
Complementing the longstanding ‘Be Winter-Ready’ initiative, the ‘Be Summer-Ready’ campaign is run by the Office of Emergency Planning, in collaboration with Met Éireann, Water Safety Ireland and the Irish Coast Guard, amongst other state agencies.
Addressing assembled media and the wider public in Dublin earlier today, Minister for Defence, Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning and Tánaiste, Michael Martin T.D., described the campaign as ‘a great source of practical information to keep in mind when planning activities during the summer months.’
“Irish people are travelling abroad in greater numbers, and with greater frequency, than ever before. And when they do, we all want them to make the right memories; whether with friends or family; on a weekend break, class trip, or a once in a lifetime adventure,” he added.
Speaking alongside Minister Martin, and Minister of State with responsibility for the Coast Guard, Jack Chambers, T.D., at the launch event, Met Éireann’s Head of Forecasting, Eoin Sherlock highlighted the UV Index, Pollen Forecast and Marine Forecast as particularly important services during the summer months, while urging the public to be prepared for varying weather conditions.
The Be Summer Ready campaign seeks to provide useful and practical information to the general public on summer-specific issues that may affect them, encouraging people to be informed and aware of the risks that may occur, in order to be prepared, to stay safe, and know where to find help if needed in an emergency.
The government-wide campaign will run throughout the summer months and features extensive digital resources and advice on topics such as water safety, road safety, farm safety and health preparedness, available at www.gov.ie/summerready.