A period of dry and sunny weather is set to last well into the middle of next week as Ireland gears up for the start of the country's busiest bank holiday weekend.
People have been issued with the customary warnings when travelling by road or taking a dip in the water to cool off.
Mr Gerald Fleming of Met Éireann said tomorrow would be mostly dry and sunny while a few "flies in the ointment" would produce some patchy rain in Connacht and Ulster on Sunday. Monday will be dry and warm and it will be increasingly humid, Mr Fleming said.
"Monday will mark the start of a period of dry and settled weather," he added. "Temperatures on Monday may hit the mid twenties". Later in the week there may be some thundery rain in places.
The Irish Water Safety Association warned about the dangers of drinking alcohol before taking a swim. An analysis of the past five years shows an average of three people drown each August holiday weekend, and last year alcohol was involved in 37 per cent of water deaths.
A spokesman said the greatest risks were faced by people who did not swim often - but transformed themselves from infrequent enthusiasts to public holiday devotees.
He added: "Coupled with the casual manner of adventurous types taking to the water, this is a lethal combination. It is necessary to be blunt to bring the message home to people - the water can be fun and enjoyable, but take care".
The Minister for Transport, Mr Brennan, and the Garda Síochána have urged motorists to be particularly careful over the Bank Holiday weekend.
Nine people were killed and over 140 injured during the August holiday last year.
The gardaí are again mounting their road safety campaign, Operation Taisteal. This will run from midnight tonight until midnight on Sunday and will see officers manning checkpoints and monitoring danger areas throughout the country.
They have warned that a particular emphasis will be placed on speeding or drunk drivers, seatbelt use and the behaviour of young male motorists.
A total of 209 people have been killed since the beginning of this year, with thousands more seriously hurt.
Although the number of deaths is down 68 in the six-month period from November 1st, 2002 and the end of June over the same period the previous year, Mr Brennan warned that vigilance is still required.
"The number of fatalities in recent months highlights the need for better road behaviour," he said. "Whenever a driver takes a risk, he or she is potentially creating a death trap for other road users".
Mr Brennan said penalty points will apply to the non-wearing of seatbelts from August 25th, joining speeding and driving without insurance on the list of offences that could lead to drivers being banned.
"I am urging parents to be mindful of this," he said. "Children will be returning to school shortly . . . it is vital that even during short journeys, appropriate caution is exercised".
