Water Safety Takes Centre Stage at Dublin Port for Irish Port Safety Week 2025 

Water Safety Takes Centre Stage at Dublin Port for Irish Port Safety Week 2025 

21 October 2025

Dublin Port is proud to mark Irish Port Safety Week from October 21st to 24th, 2025, with a programme of events focused on fostering a culture of safety across the port and its neighbouring community. 

Organised by the Irish Port Safety Forum, Irish Port Safety Week brings together ports from across the island of Ireland in a shared commitment to safety excellence. This year’s theme places water safety front and centre, recognising its critical role in protecting lives and ensuring safe operations in maritime environments. 

Highlights of the week include: 

  • A launch event for port users in partnership with the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland (HSA) who will present a new code of practice for the Safe Use of Industrial Trucks 
  • CPR and self-defence training for Dublin Port staff 
  • Guided boat tours showcasing the safety features embedded throughout Dublin Port’s infrastructure 
  • A talk on mental health from bestselling author, comedian, and mental health advocate Rory O’Connor  

Harbour Master Michael McKenna commented, “This marks Dublin Port’s fifth year participating in Irish Port Safety Week, a collaborative initiative that unites Port Authorities across Ireland in a collective mission to elevate safety standards. Port safety is not just a priority—it’s a pre-condition for port operations and a responsibility upon everyone who works at the Port. Whether you’re a port worker, visitor, or customer, understanding and respecting the risks associated with working in a port is essential.” 

Building on the Dublin SafePort initiative launched in 2022, this year’s programme offers hands-on experiences that allow port users to learn more about systems and infrastructure designed to keep people safe. From emergency response practices to the design of marine infrastructure, every element reflects Dublin Port’s dedication to continuous safety improvement. 

“Water safety is fundamental to everything we do,” McKenna added. “By bringing people out onto the water, we’re not only showcasing our safety systems—we’re reinforcing the importance of awareness, preparedness, and respect for the maritime environment.” 

Irish Port Safety Week serves as a reminder of the shared responsibility among all stakeholders to create a safe, resilient, and inclusive working environment. Dublin Port extends its thanks to the Irish Port Safety Forum, the Health and Safety Authority of Ireland, the RNLI, Rory O’Connor, Dublin Bay Cruises, QCafe, our customers, and the wider Dublin Port community for their continued support.