Farmers and the general public are being called on to think farm safety during the busy summer months, when tractors and machinery are frequently out on the roads and farms are busy.

Minister of State with responsibility for farm safety, Michael Healy-Rae, has asked farmers and everyone visiting the countryside to be extra vigilant.

Speaking today (Wednesday, May 28), Minister Healy-Rae said: "The weeks ahead will be a busy time on farms up and down the country. Children are beginning their holidays and many of us will be out and about enjoying the countryside.

"It is important that we are safety conscious over the summer," he added.

With tractors and large machinery moving on public roads, the minister reminded farmers and contractors to ensure that all precautions are in place to prevent the risk of an incident.

He stressed the importance of contractors and farmers ensuring that measures are in place to address all safety hazards before work begins.

Minister Healy-Rae said: "Machinery operators driving on public roads need to be conscious of other road users as many may not be aware of the risks posed by farm machinery, particularly on narrow, winding roads.

"The Irish countryside is a wonderful amenity which we should all take advantage of, and I am calling on all road users to be patient and to be aware of farming activities at this time of year, he added.

The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine is advising farmers to check that there are good lines of sight when accessing public roads from yards and fields.

Warning signs and cones should be used to alert road users of machinery movements. Any debris or soil brought onto a public road by machinery should be removed without delay.

The minister also highlighted the risk posed by livestock and advised that fields with livestock should be avoided and dogs should always be kept on a lead to avoid disturbing livestock or wildlife.

He said: "By working together to keep everyone safe, our memories of summer can be ones we will look back on fondly."