Safety Council issues drink-driving appeal for festival

The National Safety Council has appealed to motorists not to drink and drive over the St Patrick's Festival weekend in Dublin.

The three-day festival kicks off in Dublin this evening after the traditional March 17 celebrations were cancelled due to the foot-and-mouth scare.

NSC Chief Executive Patrick Costello said while alcohol would inevitably play a part in the weekend's festivities, people should plan beforehand how they would get home safely.