All-Ireland clashes with car-free day

Tomorrow promises to be one of the busiest Sundays of the year in Dublin, with a number of events planned in the capital.

However, AA Roadwatch has not advised people to avoid the city and said the events would be well controlled.

The All-Ireland Gaelic football final between Armagh and Kerry kicks off at 3.30 p.m. in Croke Park and will be preceded by the minor match between Derry and Meath. Some 79,500 tickets have been distributed.

Traffic is expected to be heavy on most incoming roads, particularly the Derry, Belfast and Cork roads.

International Car-Free Day coincides with All-Ireland football day but access routes to Croke Park will not be affected by traffic restrictions.

"In fact, the festival mood, coupled with free local public transport, should enhance the enjoyment of the city for those supporters who are in Dublin ahead of the game," said Mr David Taylor, chief executive of Sustainable Energy Ltd.

"We are calling on everyone to get into the spirit of the day and leave their car at home."

The GAA has encouraged county boards to support the day by encouraging the use of car sharing, public transport and other special transport arrangements.

The car-free zone includes Parliament Street, Andrew Street and Middle and Upper Abbey Street, excluding Arnott's car-park. During 1-6 p.m., Dublin Bus will be providing free fares on all services except specialist services such as the airport coach service.

The Reclaim the Streets group is holding a party at 2.30 p.m. at St Stephen's Green and about 1,000 people may attend. A spokesman for the organisers said participants would then "reclaim" an unspecified street for an afternoon party. A similar event in May sparked violent protests which resulted in injuries and a Garda investigation into the behaviour of its officers.

Cyclists are also protesting tomorrow. More than 100 cyclists are expected to meet at Talbot Street plaza opposite Connolly station at 1.30 p.m. to highlight the lack of cycle parking at train stations.