A JOINT appeal has been launched ahead of the much anticipated Donegal Rally.
The event gets underway this Friday and once again, the three-day event is expected to draw huge crowds.
Unfortunately, the event has also been known to bring reckless driving behaviour to the county.
To combat this, representatives from the Donegal County Council, An Garda Síochána, Donegal Motor Club and local agencies have joined together and launched the ‘Keep the race in its place’ road safety message. The message encourages drivers to be cautious and responsible when using the roads this rally weekend.
Chief Executive of Donegal County Council, John G. McLaughlin stated, “We welcome visitors to the county. The Donegal International Rally is an opportunity for us to showcase the vibrant communities and scenic beauty of our county.
“However, with increased traffic and activity, we must prioritise the safety of all road users. We urge everyone travelling in the area to plan your journeys, drive with caution and be mindful of your own and others’ safety. We would ask everyone to respect local communities, businesses and neighbourhoods while enjoying the weekend activities. By working together, we can ensure this is a safe, enjoyable, and successful weekend.”
The Donegal Road Safety Working Group have asked those attending the rally to make safety a priority throughout the weekend. They have reminded rally-goers that public roads are for everyone and to Keep the Race in Its Place. The Donegal Road Safety Working Group are urging rally-goers to make safety a priority throughout the weekend, that public roads are shared spaces and to Keep the Race in Its Place. Drivers and road users are asked to follow these essential safety tips:
– Leave plenty of time for your journey.
Never drink, take drugs, or use your phone while driving – one split second of distraction can change lives forever.
Respect the Gardaí and marshals – their guidance keeps everyone safe.
Watch the Rally from designated safe viewing areas.
Stick to the speed limit between stages and after the event.
A statement from Inspector Sean McDaid An Garda Síochána read, “The Donegal International Rally is the biggest motorsport event in Ireland, attracting huge crowds to the County. An Garda Síochána has a major operation in place. Our priority is public safety. All those attending the rally and visiting Donegal over the weekend are asked to comply with Garda directions and to behave with respect and care to other road users. Gardaí will be out in force throughout the weekend with a robust operation. Dangerous driving or anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated”
Donegal Motor Club added: “The Wilton Recycling Donegal International Rally is Ireland’s biggest and most followed in Motorsport Ireland. Attracting drivers from all over Ireland and around the world, showcasing Donegal to millions of people. It is imperative that the road safety message is used throughout the week of the event. And it’s a great privilege to work with our colleagues from the Donegal County Council and An Garda Síochána. Please obey the rules of the roads and leave the speed to the drivers on the stages. Keep the Race in its Place this weekend and keep the roads safe for everyone.”
If you would like to find details of road closures across the county, they can be found at www.donegalcoco.ie/rally.
You can also keep up to date on road closures in your area by signing up for free alerts to your phone by registering at www.mapalerter.com/donegal or by following Donegal County Council on Facebook or on X(Twitter).
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