Emergency Services Urge Caution as Cork Prepares for Busy August Bank Holiday

Emergency responders, water safety organisations and health services have issued a joint set of warnings ahead of the August Bank Holiday weekend, as Cork Airport prepares to handle 72,000 passengers and thousands of visitors travel to the county for festivals, regattas and coastal events. The August Bank Holiday falls on Monday 3 August.

Road Traffic Collisions Account for More Than Half of Trauma Callouts

Road traffic collisions accounted for more than half of all trauma callouts attended by CRITICAL's volunteers during the first six months of 2026, as the emergency medical charity urged motorists to take extra care ahead of the weekend.

Of the 250 trauma callouts attended by CRITICAL volunteers, 130 involved road traffic collisions. The charity's medical doctors, based in Cork, Kerry, Waterford, Dublin, Wicklow and Donegal, responded to 408 incidents during the first six months of the year.

Cork recorded the highest number of callouts of any county at 366, followed by Dublin on 285, Tipperary on 120, Donegal on 109 and Clare on 77.

Dr Gerry Lane, CRITICAL volunteer doctor based in Donegal:

"When I'm alerted to a road traffic collision, I'm hoping the person is still alive by the time I get there and that there's something I can do. There has been an increase in fatalities on our roads this year but we don't always hear about the catastrophic injuries people are suffering, it's estimated at 10 serious injuries for every one fatality but in reality it could be much higher with life-changing implications for many. Road conditions and enforcement have a role to play but the big thing is driver behaviour. People are buying bigger cars to keep their families inside safer but they're even more dangerous to other vulnerable road users. We need to remember that cars are a dangerous tool and take responsibility for our behaviour when we get behind the wheel."

Dr Mark Ruddy, CRITICAL's Medical Director and volunteer based in Wicklow:

"Every serious road traffic collision has a devastating impact, not just on those involved but on their families, friends and the emergency services who respond. We've seen first-hand the heartbreak that can unfold in an instant. We're also responding to more drownings and near-drownings at this time of the year, many of which are preventable. As people travel and spend more time outdoors this weekend, I would urge everyone to slow down on the roads, avoid distractions, never drive under the influence of drink or drugs, and take care around water. A few extra minutes on your journey or making sensible decisions around water can make all the difference and help ensure everyone gets home safely."

The Limerick-headquartered charity has more than 300 volunteer responders across Ireland, including doctors, Community First Responder groups, off-duty paramedics and emergency medical technicians. Volunteers are alerted by the National Ambulance Service to life-threatening emergencies in their local communities.

In total, the charity's volunteers responded to 1,317 incidents during the first six months of the year, the busiest first half in its history and more than double the number of calls compared with the same period in 2025, which stood at 591. Most callouts, 81 per cent, related to medical emergencies, with chest pain, cardiac arrest and stroke the most common incidents attended. CRITICAL volunteers were first on the scene in 58 per cent of incidents attended during the period.

David Tighe, CEO of CRITICAL charity:

"Our volunteer responders are busier than ever attending life-threatening emergencies in their communities right across the country. We expect the Bank Holiday weekend to be a busy one and are urging people to take extra care whether they're on the roads, at the beach or at home. Over the last year we have added five new Community First Responder Groups in Cork, Clare and Kilkenny… They have provided vital care and brought additional expertise to support the National Ambulance Service. It is thanks to donations and fundraising that we were able to support so many people."

More information is available at criticalcharity.ie.

Water Safety Warning for Swimmers and Visitors

Water Safety Ireland, the Irish Coast Guard and the RNLI are urging swimmers, visitors and holidaymakers to take extra care around the coast this Bank Holiday weekend and to familiarise themselves with local conditions before entering the water.

As many people travel to coastal locations during the holiday period, the organisations are also encouraging beachgoers to take time to read local safety signage, check for potential hazards such as rip currents, and to swim at a lifeguarded waterway if possible.

Lifeguards around the country are busy dealing with incidents involving inflatable toys and air mattresses, which are lightweight, unstable, and which can quickly drift out to sea, or capsize unexpectedly, leaving users at risk.

Anyone taking part in activities on or near the water is advised to:

1. Check the weather and tide times before venturing out
2. If walking along the shore, remain alert to rising tides to avoid stranding
3. Make every effort to choose a lifeguarded waterway, listed at watersafety.ie/lifeguards
4. Avoid cold-water shock by entering the water slowly
5. Be aware of rip currents, which can rapidly carry you away from shore
6. Swim with others and within your depth, leave inflatable toys at home, and avoid alcohol
7. Always wear a lifejacket or suitable buoyancy aid for your activity
8. Ensure children are kept under constant, uninterrupted supervision near water
9. Let someone ashore know where you are going and when you are due back
10. Always carry a means of calling for help, such as a fully charged mobile phone or a marine VHF radio

If you see somebody in trouble on the water or along the coast, or think that they are in trouble, use marine VHF radio Channel 16 or dial 999 or 112 and ask for the Coast Guard.

Friday 31 July is International Lifeguard Appreciation Day.

HSE South West Asks Public to Keep Access Clear

HSE South West is encouraging everyone in Cork to enjoy the August Bank Holiday weekend safely, by being aware of their local healthcare options and helping to keep access clear for emergency services.

Dr Anne Sheahan, HSE South West Regional Director of Public Health:

"Whether you're attending the Kinsale Regatta Festival, the Castletownbere Festival of the Sea or staying local, I hope everyone has a safe and enjoyable bank holiday weekend. Cork has some of the most beautiful beaches and forest walks in the country, and I encourage people to take care near the shoreline. Please also be mindful that alcohol can increase risks around water"

With many people attending festivals, coastal events, matches and other outdoor activities, HSE South West is asking the public to help keep access clear for ambulances so that crews can reach patients without delay.

Rob Moriarty, General Manager, National Ambulance Service, HSE South West:

"As we head into the August Bank Holiday weekend, we are asking everyone to enjoy the weekend safely and to please park responsibly, particularly in busy coastal, tourist and event locations. Illegally or poorly parked vehicles can delay emergency ambulances and other responders from reaching patients when every minute matters. Please ensure your Eircode is known or visible in case you need to call 112/999.

The holiday period traditionally brings very high demand for ambulance services, and we ask the public to be mindful that we must always prioritise the most serious and life-threatening incidents. To help ensure patients receive the right care in the right place, our Community Paramedic teams and our Advanced Paramedic Practitioner Car (APPCAR) service will be treating people with less urgent issues within their communities where possible, helping to avoid unnecessary Emergency Department attendances and supporting hospital capacity."

Priscilla Lynch, HSE South West Manager for Cork South and West:

"Bank holiday weekends and extended good weather can result in higher numbers of people needing health services, so I would encourage everyone to consider all their healthcare options if they do become unwell, or injured. Our Injury Units are an excellent resource for urgent but non-life-threatening injuries. SouthDoc will also be available over the weekend, offering timely support and helping us keep Emergency Departments for those who need them most."

Injury Units in Cork are open from 8am to 8pm. The Mercy Injury Unit at Gurranabraher, St Mary's Health Campus, treats those aged 10 and over, while Mallow Injury Unit and Bantry Injury Unit both treat those aged five and over. The Irish Life Health expresscare clinic is also available to treat minor injuries on the same terms as HSE Injury Units, opening from 10am to 8pm for those aged 12 months and over.

Other options for non-emergency healthcare this weekend include self-care with a well-stocked medicine cabinet, your local pharmacist, and your GP, who should fill routine prescriptions ahead of the weekend. The SouthDoc GP Out of Hours service can be reached on 0818 355 999.

72,000 Passengers Expected Through Cork Airport

Cork Airport is preparing to welcome 72,000 passengers over the August Bank Holiday weekend, with Sunday 2 August expected to be the busiest day overall. Friday 31 July will be the busiest day for departures, while Sunday 2 August will be the busiest for arrivals.

Passengers are recommended to arrive at least 90 minutes before their flight is due to depart.

Tens of thousands of international visitors are expected to touch down ahead of several large festivals and events in Cork and across the South of Ireland, including Cork Community Pride, Kinsale Regatta Festival, described by the airport as Ireland's oldest regatta, Courtmacsherry Harbour Festival, All Together Now music festival, Spraoi International Street Arts Festival in Waterford, and Cahersiveen Music & Arts Festival Weekend in Kerry.

In July, the most popular routes included Valencia, London Gatwick, Alicante, Edinburgh, Zadar, Seville, Milan and Malaga. Market research shows that, outside of Cork, the largest share of passengers come from Waterford, Kerry, Tipperary, Limerick, Kilkenny and Wexford respectively.

Niall MacCarthy, Managing Director at Cork Airport:

"We are entering the last month of the peak summer season for both inbound and outbound visitors through Cork Airport. I'm delighted to see that so many festivals and events are taking place right across the region. Visitors will notice that our capital programme is well underway, with three live construction sites on the airport campus at present. Despite the on-time, on-budget construction activities, the warmth of the welcome and the smoothness of the passenger journey remains unchanged and the best in Ireland…"

The airport has advised passengers to allow ample time if checking in at the airport or checking in a bag, noting that self-service bag drop kiosks are available for Aer Lingus and Ryanair passengers. Liquids, gels and pastes in hand luggage must be less than 100ml and contained in a single, clear plastic bag, with one bag per passenger, and should be removed at security screening along with large electronic items such as laptops, tablets and games consoles.