The traffic dos and don'ts ahead of a hectic Mayo sports weekend
An Garda Síochána has issued a statement welcoming all participants and supporters to Castlebar for the Women’s Mini Marathon and the Connacht Senior Football Championship final next Sunday.
In order to maximise the public's enjoyment of either or both of the events, An Garda Síochána offer the following information in relation to traffic management and safety.
A spokesperson said: "Our advice is to plan your journey and to arrive into Castlebar early, and to follow guidance from Gardaí, event marshals and road signage.
"In order to ensure the safety of more than 2,000 participants in the Mini Marathon, and the public generally, there will be temporary ‘rolling’ road closures. The event commences at noon and traffic delays can be expected.
The closures will be:
· The Mall: 9:30am – 4:00pm
· Ellison Street: 9:30am – 3:00pm
· Lower Spencer Street: 10:30am – 12:30pm
· Duke Street, Newport Road to Pound Road, Pound Roasd, Gallows Hill, Newline: Noon – 1:00pm
· Pontoon Road to Ballinvilla and Ballinavilla Road to Mountgregory: Noon – 2:00pm
· Mountgregory/Turlough Road: Noon – 2:30pm
· Staball Hill/Thomas Street, Bridge Street and Main Street: 12:15pm – 2:30pm
Later that day, the Connacht Senior Football Championship will take place, and an attendance of up to 20,000 people is expected.
Large volumes of traffic can be expected in the general Castlebar area throughout the day, particularly in the vicinity of MacHale Park in the build up to the 4 p.m. throw-in and immediately afterwards. Turnstiles will open at 2.30pm
The main routes into Castlebar are:
· N5 Dublin road into Moneen Roundabout
· N60 Claremorris Road into Kilkenny Cross
· N84 Ballinrobe Road into Cathal Duffy Roundabout
· N5 Westport road
· R311 Newport Road
Traffic can use the Castlebar bypass dual carriageway and can exit at various junctions to enter Castlebar.
There may be traffic diversions on the day, depending on traffic volumes and gardaí will be on duty to provide information.
Parking restrictions will be in place from 9 a.m. in the vicinity of the stadium and on approaches.
Saturday is also a hectic day in Castlebar due to the staging of Mayo Day events and the Pink Ribbon Charity Cycle.