Large crowds to go ploughing

Motorists travelling to the National Ploughing Championships in Athy, Co Kildare tomorrow are being warned to add an extra two hours to their journey time as large crowds are expected to gather for the three-day event.

The Championships will be opened by President Mary McAleese at noon tomorrow and up to 70,000 people are expected daily, with roads from Portlaoise, Athy and Carlow town carrying the bulk of traffic.

Nicola Hudson, AA Roadwatch controller said the championships attract huge crowds every year and pose a challenge for traffic management.

“Considering the rural roads on which the site is located drivers should allow an extra two hours to reach the event,” she said.

“Commuters not attending the event are also advised that the daily journey to and from work is likely to be impacted, as local restrictions around Athy operate 8am to 11am and from 4pm to 7pm daily.”

Gardaí have also warned of delays, and have advised motorists to allow at least an hour at the end of their visit to exit the 15 car parks on site.

They have produced a seven-route traffic plan for the event, which is available on the garda website.

A spokesman said 150 gardaí will be deployed in Kildare and neighbouring counties to deal with the event.

Managing the traffic to the ploughing championship was a “massive challenge” every year, he said. He advised motorists to examine the garda traffic plan and choose a route before leaving home. He also warned that the town of Athy should be avoided.

“There is a way in and a way out of the championships; motorists just need to follow their chosen route and be patient,” the spokesman said.

The National Ploughing Association has said it hopes the availability of public transport will ease traffic problems.

It has arranged train and bus links with Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann to Athy, Kildare and Portarlington stations. It hopes at least seven to 10 per cent of patrons will use public transport.

Some 19 All-Ireland ploughing finals will be held at the event including Horse Ploughing, Vintage Ploughing and the Queen of the Plough.

If all that muck racking is not sufficient, visitors will also be able to follow live events in Dáil Éireann when proceedings from the Dáil chamber will be beamed directly to the Oireachtas tent.

Houses of the Oireachtas outreach education officers who will be delivering a series of workshops on topics such as the role of TDs and Senators and the relevance of parliament. Hopefully visiting deputies will attend.