Emergency Services Ireland Partners with Irish Red Cross to Campaign Ireland’s Frontline Heroes.
This joint campaign aims to raise national awareness and highlight the essential role of first responders, reinforcing the importance of supporting those who serve on the frontlines.

December Spotlight: Winter Safety, Seasonal Pressures & Festive Events Across Ireland

As we head into the busiest and often most challenging time of the year for first responders, this month’s edition highlights winter hazards, service pressures, community support, and festive events happening nationwide.

🚨 Winter Safety & Service Updates

1. Winter Road Safety – A Seasonal Surge in Risk

Data from An Garda Síochána continue to highlight a concerning winter trend, with pedestrian injuries and fatalities increasing during the darker months from October through December.

The combination of shorter daylight hours, poor weather conditions, and increased travel over the Christmas period significantly heightens the risk of serious road traffic incidents.

2. Flu & Virus Surge Adds Pressure to Health & Ambulance Services

By late December in a recent year, hospitals experienced significant pressure from flu and seasonal illnesses, placing added strain on acute healthcare services, according to the HSE.

3. Homelessness & Winter Emergencies

Recent reports indicate a slight month-on-month drop in the number of people in emergency accommodation compared to last year

4. Storm & Severe Weather Preparedness

With winter storms becoming more intense, the recent reminder from Storm Éowyn demonstrates how quickly conditions can deteriorate.

🎄 Festive Events Across Ireland – December 2025

1. Christmas at Turlough Park (Castlebar, Co. Mayo)

Dates: Sundays 7 & 14 December
Courtyard market (1–5pm), live crib, choirs, decoration trail & Christmas Post Box.

Why go: A charming, traditional family-friendly afternoon in a heritage setting.

2. Sustainable Christmas Craft Market (Glasnevin, Dublin)

Dates: Saturday 13 & Sunday 14 December (10:00–16:30)
Over 50 craft stalls at the National Botanic Gardens.

Why go: Ideal for sustainable gift shopping and supporting local makers.

3. Féile Lonrach – Festival of Glow (Carlow County)

Dates: 29 November – 24 December
“Lightfest” launch with fireworks + county-wide festive events.

Why go: Community spirit across towns, with entertainment for all ages.

4. Wildlands Christmas Wonderland (Galway)

Dates: Mid-Nov–Dec (selected days)
Immersive “play village” where kids meet elves, Mrs. Claus & more.

Why go: A magical, interactive family experience—pre-booking recommended.

Bonus: Elf Town Dublin (RDS)

Dates: 15 November – 24 December
Premium interactive Christmas experience with themed sets & Elf Passport.

Why go: A large-scale, immersive outing perfect for families.

A Heartfelt Thank You This Festive Season

As we approach the end of the year, Emergency Services Ireland wants to take a moment to extend our deepest gratitude:

To the men and women of our emergency services — Gardaí, paramedics, firefighters, community first responders, and volunteers — who work tirelessly every day, often through holidays and challenging conditions, keeping communities safe. Your dedication, bravery, and resilience do not go unnoticed.

To our generous sponsors and partners, thank you for your continued support. Your contributions help us inform, support, and celebrate first responders across Ireland.

And to the Irish Red Cross, thank you for your invaluable work in health, safety, and humanitarian support. Your commitment to communities in need embodies the spirit of service that inspires us all.

This festive season, let’s celebrate and appreciate those who serve, protect, and support — the true heroes in our communities.

From all of us at Emergency Services Ireland, we wish you a safe, joyful, and peaceful holiday season.

Proud New Sponsors

Strengthening the Front Lines
Get to know the latest businesses and organisations supporting our emergency responders.

RS IRELAND

RS is a leading provider of industrial and electronic solutions. Founded in 1947 as Radionics, a distributor of radio spares, the company joined the Electrocomponents Group in 1981 and now operates in Ireland as RS Ireland.

RS offers over 750,000 products from 2,500+ manufacturers, including RS Pro, Schneider Electric, Siemens, Belden, Fluke, FESTO, and TENG Tools. Our website provides access to an extensive product range, stock availability, technical information, and easy ordering.

We also offer innovative solutions for procurement, inventory, maintenance, and safety, as well as calibration and managed inventory services. RS Local Dublin, at Dublin 12, stocks over 30,000 items and serves both account customers and the public.

As Ireland’s leading industrial components distributor, RS is renowned for service excellence and unrivalled delivery support.

Magee Conservation

Dublin-based specialist in restoration, conservation, and maintenance of historic and traditional buildings. They handle façade cleaning, stone and brick masonry, brick cleaning and repointing, traditional roofing and lead work, stucco/plaster, lime rendering, graffiti removal, and structural repairs using approved Helifix systems.

Contact details

Address: 72 Bangor Road, Crumlin, Dublin 12, Ireland
Phones: 01 456 8899
Email: info@mageeconservation.ie

Rapid Response

Damage‑restoration company based in Nurney, Co. Carlow. They specialise in fire, flood, and storm damage repair, smoke/flood cleanup, odor removal, structural drying, and temporary accommodation through “Rapid RV Hire.”