The Government’s ‘Be Winter-Ready’ 2023-2024 Information Campaign launched with the message: “Road Safety: Plan, Prepare, Be Aware”.
Tánaiste, Minister for Defence and Chair of the Government Task Force on Emergency Planning, Micheál Martin, was joined at the launch by Minister of State with responsibility for International and Road Transport and Logistics, Jack Chambers TD, and Eoin Sherlock, Head of Forecasting at Met Éireann.
This year’s campaign highlights the ‘Whole of Government’ approach taken to plan and prepare for the challenges of winter. Core to this campaign is the message to be prepared, stay safe and know where to find help if needed.
The website www.winterready.ie provides helpful information for resilience this winter for people, their families and communities.
Speaking at the launch Tánaiste Micheál Martin said, “the focus of this year’s campaign is road safety, which is particularly appropriate, and timely, given the awful tragedies on our roads at the weekend. We have a simple, but important message on road safety. Plan, Prepare and Be Aware. The campaign is also an opportunity for individuals, households and communities to take stock of the risks that winter can sometimes inflict, and to check on older relatives and neighbours when we experience weather extremes this winter.”
Minister Jack Chambers added, “we are appealing to all motorists to take care and plan ahead as part of this year’s Be Winter Ready campaign, and in particular to be aware of vulnerable road users. Speed remains a significant contributor in road collisions so please reduce your speed this winter and drive safely. In difficult conditions, only venture out where necessary and take precautions including wearing reflective clothing and carry a torch where visibility is poor. These simple precautions can enhance your safety and the safety of those around you in the coming weeks and months.”
Minister Chambers also took the opportunity to confirm that Irish transport operators have detailed contingency plans in place to deal with the impacts of adverse weather conditions this winter. He also reminded all those who use our roads – whether as motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians – that there are steps that can be taken to plan and prepare for your journey and be aware throughout your journey to protect themselves and others on the roads over the winter months.
