Tánaiste urges Irish citizens to ‘Make the Right Memories’ amid rising consular cases and extreme weather in Europe
- Foilsithe:
- An t-eolas is déanaí: 12 Iúil 2025
The Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Simon Harris, has today (Saturday) issued a fresh call urging Irish citizens, particularly young people and older adults, to ‘Make the Right Memories’ by staying safe, informed, and connected while travelling abroad this summer.
The renewed call comes as the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade continues to see a rise in Irish citizens seeking consular assistance overseas. The first six months of 2025 has seen an 11% increase on the number of consular cases reported to the department, when compared to the same period in 2024. The continued increase in demand for consular assistance comes at a time of ongoing extreme heat and wildfires across Europe, which are affecting travel plans and increasing health risks.
The Tánaiste said:
“My department, through its network of Embassies and Consulates abroad, as well as a dedicated team in Dublin, offers 24-hour assistance for Irish citizens who may find themselves requiring help when abroad. Already this year, we have seen a significant increase in consular cases, and while most trips go smoothly, it’s clear that many people are encountering difficulties that may be avoided with better preparation or awareness.
“My department’s summer campaign is about empowering our citizens, particularly young people who may be travelling overseas independently for the first time after finishing school or college. With dangerously high temperatures across Europe, I am asking our young people to look out for themselves and each other.”
The Tánaiste emphasised simple, but vital, safety measures that all travellers should take, including:
- purchase comprehensive travel insurance and, for those travelling within the EU, obtaining a European Health Insurance Card is essential
- researching local laws, culture and customs for the country you’re travelling to
- keeping phones charged and sharing live locations with friends, especially on nights out
- staying in touch with one another and with family back home
- watching drinks in clubs and bars, and photographing key documents for easy access
- swimming only in designated and safe areas
- following current health advice, such as limiting physical activity to cooler parts of the day and moderating alcohol consumption during periods of hot weather
Many countries in southern and eastern Europe have been affected by heatwave conditions in recent weeks, with the possibility of further high temperatures throughout the summer. Exposure to excessive temperatures can cause illness such as heat stress and heat stroke, particularly amongst older travellers. Following the advice of the National Health Protection Service of Ireland can help keep you and your family safe:
- be aware of the weather forecasts for your destination
- follow the local heat-health alert advice
- consider who in your party is most vulnerable – for example, young children and older people - and plan around making sure they are protected from excessive heat including the following advice:
- drink plenty of fluids; avoid excessive alcohol and caffeine, as these can dehydrate you
- avoid going out during the hottest parts of the day
- take regular breaks indoors or in a shaded place to cool down
- limit your physical activity to cooler parts of the day, such as morning or evening
- keep your room(s) cool (draw blinds/curtains to block out the daytime sun); open windows when the air outside is cooler than the air inside – so mornings and evenings)
- take a cool bath or shower if you feel too hot
- wear light-coloured, loose-fitting clothes
The Tánaiste reminded Irish citizens travelling abroad:
“Our Embassies and Consulates are there to help but preparation is key. I urge everyone travelling this summer to visit www.ireland.ie/TravelWise for the most up-to-date travel and consular advice. Take the time to note the contact details for the nearest Irish Embassy or Consulate in the country that you are visiting. Let’s prepare and make this summer an unforgettable one for the right reasons.”