Athlone Drug Awareness Group in partnership with the emergency frontline services rolled out a new innovative approach in disseminating information material on substance misuse to the general public in Church Street, Athlone.
Participants in this Blue Light Day initiative included Athlone  Gardai, Fire Services, Westmeath County Council Road Safety Section , Athlone Drug Awareness , Merchants Quay, Community Alcohol & Drug Services, Midland Regional Youth Service , Samartians & Athlone Community Services whereby each had a stand in place so that the public could avail of information covering fire prevention in their home, crime prevention in their home, road safety tips & help for parents regarding the dangers of drugs.
Colum McDaid,, Assistant Chief Fire Officer said that the fire services are delighted to get any opportunity that heightens the awareness of the dangers from fires in the home. He urged the public to be very careful with faulty Christmas lights as they may cause a fire, and also stressed the need for every house to have smoke detectors installed and to check them weekly.
Sgt. John Lawless, Athlone Garda Station said he would like to thank the Drugs Awareness Group for giving the Gardai an opportunity to meet with the public. We spoke with and gave advice to a number of people who had concerns regarding the use of illegal drugs; most of the people who had concerns were parents. The forum also gave us an opportunity to give some crime prevention advice to shoppers and pedestrians, particularly at this time of the year people must be aware of the presence of shoplifters. Shoppers should secure their belongings and never leave their wallets or hand bags out of sight. We intend keeping a visible presence on the streets during the Christmas period and people should feel free to approach the Gardai if they have any concerns, he added.

Cllr. Frankie Keena said that a similar initiative was rolled out in Mullingar on the same day by the Mullingar Drug Network.
From the Drug Awareness point of view we are delighted to grasp any opportunity to network with the public and we also capitalised on the event to encourage the public to dial 1800 220 220 if they are aware of any drug dealing in their areas, he said.
It was absolutely fantastic to have the Gardai and Fire Services present. These emergency services provide an excellent coverage to the publc on a 27/7 basis and their message was for the public to be conscious of their safety in their homes and on roads, he added.
Donal O’Donoghue, Road Safety Officer Westmeath Co. Co. also had a stand present which proved very popular. I taught it was a great initiative where many local people were informed on safety issues, he said. In terms of road safety we presented many people of all ages with High Visibility arm bands and jackets. This BE SAFE BE SEEN campaign has really taken off in the past number of years, with more and more pedestrians and cyclists now wearing the correct clothing when out on our roads. We were also able to inform people present on the day of all the safety issues associated with our roads from winter driving, the new speed cameras as well as driving under the influence of drugs, and driving while on certain types of medicines. It was very worthwhile and hopefully it will be an annual event, said Donal.

Cllr. James Henson said that the event proved very worthwhile and there was good interest from the public. It is hoped to do this again next year.
In conclusion, Cllr. Keena thanked Athlone Town Council for clearing the snow from the square for the event, David Lowe for kindly given generators and the Mad Hoor Restaurant for given tables. This combined community support is much appreciated, concluded Cllr. Keena.