Mayo gardai to give 'red card' to motorists who park dangerously at big match

GARDAI have warned they will be 'red-carding' motorists who park dangerously or irresponsibly at Saturday's big National League game in Castlebar between Mayo and Dublin.

A huge turnout – possibly up to 20,000 – is expected for the joust, under lights, between the rivals at Elvery's MacHale Park.

But the contest has created significant health and safety concerns due to GAA fans parking on the hard shoulder of the N5 national primary route as it approaches Castlebar.

Fears have been raised of possible injuries, even death, as fans leave and return to their vehicles under cover of darkness.

The game has a 7 p.m. throw-in.

Gardai, the GAA and Mayo County Council have been consulting over the issue in the past week.

Castlebar Community Engagement Superintendent Kevin Gately said parking by fans along the N5 is not recommended for health and safety reasons.

“We’d ask all match goers, particularly those with children to be very safety conscious and follow instructions of stewards and gardaí.

“Bearing in mind that it is a double header with LGFA Dublin versus Mayo kicking off at 5 pm, we would urge all patrons to get to the ground early. Allow sufficient time to park and walk to McHale park and enjoy the evening safely, remembering the large number of young children who will be there.”

He said there will be ample parking free car parking for fans within the environs of Castlebar itself including the town's military barracks.

“Most supporters do not wear reflective jackets," he observed. “They will be coming to town wearing hats and scarves. As it will be dark, visibility will be an issue.

“Not every motorist along the N5 on Saturday evening will realise there is a football match on.”

Superintendent Kevin Gately warned that any vehicle causing an obstruction or dangerously parked on Saturday evening will be towed away.

Extra gardai to enforce the stricter parking policy will be on duty for Saturday's game.

Mayo road safety officer Noel Gibbons said: “We would advise all fans who are attending the game to avail of official car parking spaces available which are highlighted on the map been circulated and if you’re walking please make yourself visible to other road users.”