Get ready for a busy weekend on the roads….
‘Don’t speak too soon, but it looks like the sun may shine this weekend, and with href="http://www.newstalk.ie/2012/news/recommended/electric-picnic-guide/">Electric Picnic in the Midlands, the Ironman Triathlon in the West and a big weekend for football in Dublin, thousands will be traversing the country to enjoy all that is on offer’ says Aoife Carragher, Head of AA Roadwatch.
‘Electric Picnic always draws large crowds and this year over 35,000 people are expected to attend.
2011 was the first year where day tickets were available and this added to busy traffic on the Sunday of the festival.
Although the same is expected this year, the traffic management plan in place has proven very successful.
Therefore, we’re advising those attending that if they plan their journey and allow extra time, they should get there relatively hassle free’ says Carragher.
Camper van car parks will open at 7pm on Thursday and all other car parks open at 9am on Friday.
The heaviest traffic can be expected tomorrow afternoon and evening, and also on Monday morning.
‘It’s important that those attending the festival remember that there is no official closing time for the campsite on Monday. Therefore, motorists are in no hurry to get on the road.’
‘If you’re planning on taking the bus, there are plenty of private operators, as well as a Bus Éireann service from Dublin, Cork and Galway.’
‘The Tour de Picnic is taking place again this year and 1,000 cyclists will depart from Tallaght Stadium at 9am on Friday.’
‘It’s all about football in Dublin: the American and the Gaelic kind!’ says Carragher.
‘The Global Ireland Football Tournament which runs from Thursday until Saturday includes a parade through the city and a Pep Rally at Trinity College on Thursday. On Friday, there will be two games at Donnybrook Stadium and two games at Parnell Park. Outside the city, you can enjoy the festivities with two more games at Pairc Tailteann in Navan on Friday. However, the main game of the tournament is the Emerald Isle Classic between Notre Dame and Navy at the Aviva Stadium on Saturday.’
‘If you’re more interested in the National game, it’s going to be another busy Sunday in Croke Park as the Dubs take on Mayo in the second GAA All Ireland Football Championship Semi Final. Very heavy traffic should be expected in Drumcondra as a result.’
id="yui_3_2_0_1_1346244856297286">‘And the West isn’t missing out either!’ adds Carragher. ‘There will be significant road closures in place on Sunday in Galway City to facilitate the Ironman Triathlon. 2,000 participants will complete a 90K bike ride on the N59 Clifden Rd, a 21.1K run from Galway City to the promenade in Salthill and a swim in Galway Bay.’ id="yui_3_2_0_1_1346244856297274">‘The race gets underway at 7am and will continue until approximately 5pm. As approximately 10,000 spectators are expected, it’s likely that traffic will be very busy in the area.’‘It’s always fantastic that there are so many events taking place across the country and that we are offered such a great variety of entertainment. However, when so many people are taking to the roads it is paramount to keep the road safety message to the fore’ says Aoife Carragher. ‘Once again AA Roadwatch is appealing to motorists to be responsible on the roads and to always drive with extreme care.’
If you breakdown this weekend, the AA Rescue service is on hand 24/7. Just call 1800-66-77-88.
For more details on these and other events taking place across the country visit rel="nofollow" href="http://www.aaireland.ie/AA/AA-Roadwatch/Event-Guide.aspx" target="_blank">www.aaireland.ie/AA/AA-Roadwatch/Event-Guide.aspx
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