Publicans will be able to supply free soft drinks to "designated drivers" under a campaign begun by the leaders of the main political parties yesterday.
The "Drive Straight and Designate" campaign wants to encourage revellers to designate a member of their group to refrain from drinking alcohol so they can drive everyone home safely.
This is the second year of the campaign which is being run by MEAS (Mature Enjoyment of Alcohol in Society), the drinks industry organisation.
As well as providing free soft drinks, it encourages publicans to run private coaches and to negotiate reduced taxi rates to encourage people to discourage drink-driving.
Soft drinks firms Cantrell & Cochrane and Coca-Cola Bottlers are providing enough free produce to publicans to allow them to give three free drinks to designated driver.
Ms Fionnuala Sheehan, MEAS chief executive, said there was no possibility that publicans would take the free drinks and then charge customers for them.
"That won't happen. The campaign will be policed," she said.
While she could not put a figure on participating pubs, she said "a very substantial" number of outlets were taking part in the campaign this year.
While rates of drink-driving had not worsened, Ms Sheehan said there was a growing phenomenon of people drinking at home or drinking in friends' houses. These people might not be as vigilant about drinking and driving, she said.
"Before heading out, whether it is to the pub or to a friend's house, it is especially important that we plan how to get home safely."
Ms Sheehan said that while many young people made alternative transport arrangements after a night out, "a disproportionate number of young male drivers are killed on Irish roads and the most serious collisions occur between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m."
The Taoiseach, Mr Ahern, said drink-driving was dangerous and unacceptable. "This campaign highlights a very simple solution to the problem and I would encourage everyone to designate a driver as part their plans when they're getting ready for a night out this Christmas and throughout the year."
The campaign was also supported by the Tánaiste and PD leader, Ms Harney, the Fine Gael leader, Mr Enda Kenny, the Labour leader, Mr Pat Rabbitte, and the Green Party leader, Mr Trevor Sargent.
