SPEED checks are to be ramped up in Donegal this bank holiday weekend.
Gardaí will be out in force to clampdown on drink/drug driving, speeding and the non-wearing of seatbelts.
The warning comes as three new speed camera zones have become operational in Donegal as part of 61 nationally in a bid to cut road deaths and lessen injuries.
The cameras are located on the N15 Birchhill, N56 Drumbeagh and N15 Carrickboy.
The safety camera locations were selected based on an analysis of Garda data on fatal, serious and minor road traffic collisions. All new locations chosen have recorded at least two separate collisions along the stretch of road.
Gardaí are urging motorists to never get behind the wheel of a vehicle when under the influence of alcohol or drugs, never to use a mobile phone while driving and ensure seatbelts are worn.
“Our priority is to keep people safe, and we urge all road users to please make responsible decisions this weekend and always in relation to road safety.”
Coordinator of Donegal Sports Partnership (DSP) Myles Sweeney has called for safety on open water. On average, 115 people die in Ireland each year from drowning.
Mr Sweeney has appealed to groups and individuals using the open water for sporting or leisure purposes over the bank holiday weekend to be aware of the dangers posed by water.
“We would encourage people to familiarise themselves with and follow key water safety messages. These include checking weather, water conditions, and tides before going on or in the water, letting someone know where you are going and what time you expect to be back, and not going alone – even if whoever you bring doesn’t get on or in the water.”
DSP say this time of year always sees a rise in numbers of people taking to the water to enjoy water-based activities.
“People should wear an appropriate lifejacket or buoyancy aid if they are doing activities on the water. They should also ensure they are visible in the water, that they don’t go in or on the water during reduced light, and that they don’t use inflatable toys in open water,” said Mr Sweeeny.
If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, dial 112/999 or use VHF Ch 16 and ask for the Coast Guard.
A spokesperson for Met Éireann told the Donegal News tomorrow will start off dry with hazy sunshine.
Cloud will gradually build through the morning and afternoon though, with rain arriving in the early evening and possibly turning heavy.
The rain will then clear to occasional showers on Friday night.
Highest temperatures will be between 18 to 20 degrees with light to moderate southerly winds.
“It will remain mostly cloudy for the rest of the long weekend.
Saturday will see occasional showers throughout the day, mostly light.
Highest temperatures of 17 to 19 degrees in light westerly winds.”
Showers will then continue into Sunday, possibly turning heavy in the morning.
They will gradually clear through the afternoon though, with conditions becoming mostly dry for the evening. Highs of around 16 or 17 degrees with very light and variable breezes.
“As it stands, Monday is expected to be the driest day of the long weekend with just the odd shower currently indicated.
Some heavier showers are forecast for nearby parts of the country though Temperatures on Monday are expected to reach 18 to 20 degrees in light variable breezes.”
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