SAINT Patrick's Day
revellers will take to the streets of Inishowen
today in their thousands with large crowds expected
in all the main centres.
Big throngs are expected particularly at the two
main local parades in Buncrana and Moville with
activities also planned in other towns and villages.
A Garda spokesperson said: "We would ask people to
co-operate with parade stewards and Gardai to make
St Patrick's Day an enjoyable day out for all
families.
"We would be expecting large crowds particularly for
the parades in Buncrana and Moville, especially if
the weather holds up."
People were also urged to take care on the
peninsula's roads, to avoid speed and never to drink
and drive.
The spokesperson said random breath-testing of
drivers was continuing throughout the region on an
ongoing basis, while checkpoints would be set up at
various locations on the patron saint's day.
Meanwhile, Road Safety Authority ceo, Noel Brett
said 49 people had been killed on the roads so far
this year: “It’s been a bad start to the year from a
road safety point of view. If we persist in driving
dangerously we could be faced with three scenarios
on our journey. They are, meeting a paramedic,
meeting a priest or meeting a Garda. For everyone’s
sake I hope it is a Garda, because he or she might
just have saved a life, maybe your own.”
Gardai also urged people to look after their
property on St Patrick's Day.
"St Patrick’s Day should be an enjoyable and fun day
for everyone. Unfortunately, a small minority might
see it as an opportunity to commit crime. Gardaí
would ask people to limit those opportunities by
taking some simple steps to protect themselves and
their property."
Gardai issued the following advice:
People should be conscious of their personal safety
and belongings in large crowds.
Keep a close eye on children and make sure they
don’t wander off,
Do not display obvious valuables on your person.
Be aware of pick pockets and take heed of those
standing around you.
Park your car in a well lit area and ensure it is
locked and secure.
Do not leave valuables on display in parked cars.
Consume alcohol responsibly and observe by-laws
about the non-consumption of alcohol in public
places
If you see a crime being committed, please notify
Gardaí immediately. |
