21/6/18 An Garda Síochána Donegal Division statement on Irish Open Traffic Management

An Garda Síochána   Donegal Division

  ~  Public Information Release. ~

Irish Open Ballyliffin Co. Donegal 4^th to 8^th July 2018

The Dubai Duty Free Irish Open comes to Donegal for the first time from Wednesday 4^th of July to Sunday 8^th.

European Tour Stars will participate in this prestigious event, hosted at Ballyliffin Golf Club.

It is anticipated that there will be a certain level of disruption to local traffic in the north inishowen area. Residents are advised to consider any impending travel plans they may have scheduled over those dates. An Garda Siochána are seeking everyone’s co-operation and assistance. The following issues are key to the role out of the traffic management plan.

Local Residents Advice:

• Residents who have medical appointments.
• Residents who intend to travel on holiday and who may have to use air travel or ferry crossings.
• Farmers in the area tending to animals, turf harvesting embarking on hay and sileage cutting.
• Residents attending religious services in particular on Saturday 7th^th and Sunday 8^th of July.
• Operators of Public Transport in the area.
• Cyclist’s, Cycling clubs, walking clubs who may have planned events in the area.
• Pedestrians – parents inform your children who may be using the roads.
• Persons involved in local charity events

Should familiarise themselves with the traffic plan, listen to local media broadcasts & news bulletins which will provide the latest and up to date traffic flow information.

A major traffic plan will be activated by An Garda Síochana in the area with two arterial routes identified for access and egress to Ballyliffin via the Eastern & Western Routes

Route Advice:

Republic of Ireland traffic should access the area via Bridgend & Buncrana and travel northwards to Ballyliffin following the N. 13 & R 238 following VMS and AA temporary fixed signage.

Northern Ireland / Cross channel traffic should travel via Derry/Londonderry following the A2 (NI) & R238 & R 240 to Quigley’s Point and Carndonagh and onwards via R238 to Ballyliffin following VMS and AA Temporary fixed signage.

Consideration should also be given to utilising the Foyle Ferry from Magilligan to Greencastle.

The public are advised that the peak travel times will be from 06.30hrs to 12.30hrs & 16.30hrs to 19.30hrs daily.

There will be designated free parking at the event. All labelled vehicles will use the main entrance including buses, taxis & disabled drivers. The public parking will be divided based on the demographic arrival into two parking areas at the Golf club. Motorists are requested to cooperate & follow the directions of members of An Garda Siochana & Event Stewards to ensure smooth traffic flow.

Motorists are advised:

• To switch off Sat Nav’s, when VMS or Event signage indicates.  
• Obey Garda  directions and signage
• Drive with patience and care and allow extra time for your journey

A Free Shuttle service will be provided from Carndonagh & Buncrana Town Centre to the Golf Course. Further information to follow

Pedestrians accessing the area should heed directions by following the safe walking route identified & utilise safe crossing points provided.

As huge numbers are expected, motorists are advised to access the latest traffic updates issued. Adhere to route numbers advised and follow directions and messages displayed on V.M.S (Variable Messaging Signage) which will display the latest traffic flow information & directions.

Motorists are further advised that these routes will also provide access for emergency traffic should an emergency arise and this traffic must always receive priority.

Travel plans and alerts will be provided via the following information sources

• Garda Siochana Facebook  page.
• Garda Twitter Feed.
• AA Road watch
• Donegal County Council Facebook and Twitter.