'Severe traffic disruption' anticipated in Mayo county town by gardaí

Severe traffic disruption is anticipated in Castlebar from early this afternoon due to the homecoming of the Mayo Senior Football team.

Banks, shops and other businesses have closed early during to a Monday that the town has never witnessed its like before.

Some estimates are suggesting that 100,000 could converge on Castlebar over the course of this afternoon, evening and tonight.

There is advance notice of heavy traffic coming west through Longford for the celebrations later.

An Garda Síochána has offered the following information in relation to traffic management and safety.

Extremely large crowds are expected in and on the approach to MacHale Park. People should plan to arrive early – gates will open at 3:00pm.

MacHale Road will be closed to vehicular traffic – other road closures in the area may be necessary in order to ensure the safety of participants at the homecoming and the public generally.

Follow road signage and guidance from Gardaí and event marshals.

Entertainment at MacHale Park will begin at 3:30 p.m. and the team is expected to arrive there at 6 p.m.

Traffic can use the Castlebar Bypass dual carriageway and can exit at various junctions to enter Castlebar.

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

Parking restrictions have been in from midday in the vicinity of the MacHale Park and on approach roads.

Supporters are reminded to park legally. Provision will be made for drivers with disabled parking badges, who will be able to park inside the stadium.

Paid and unpaid car parking options are available around Castlebar, including at Lannagh Road, Knockcroghery, Breaffy Road and Moneen.

Bus parking and drop off will be at Mitchell Barracks (Eircode F23Y882),

Gardaí remind the public that this is a strictly alcohol-free event.