By Dionne Meehan
WITH thousands set to descend on the county this weekend for the Donegal International Rally, local gardaí are focused on one priority; keeping people safe.
Their message is simple, ‘keep the race in its place’.
Over the weekend, additional resources will be in place to ensure the safety of people attending the rally and visiting the county.
This includes increased checkpoints, high-visibility patrols, additional marked and unmarked vehicles, garda motorcyclists and the Garda Air Support Unit.
Although the rally takes place in a controlled environment with all necessary protections in place, local gardaí say each year, a small minority, who have no interest in the sport, use the opportunity to drive in a dangerous manner.
“In doing so, they risk their own lives and the lives of others,” a garda spokesperson said.
“If these people value their licence, then they need to leave the rally driving to the rally competitors because they will be stopped and they will be prosecuted.
“Should any members of the public observe a vehicle being driven in a dangerous manner over the course of the rally weekend, we ask them to try to obtain the registration number and report the incident to us immediately.”
Over the years, the rally has attracted a small number of individuals whose behaviour, as described by gardaí, leaves a lot to be desired.
However, gardaí have vowed that any form of disruptive or antisocial behaviour will not be tolerated this year.
“We urge parents to speak to their young people ahead of the rally weekend in relation to road safety,” a garda spokesperson said.
“We are constantly talking about road safety and while we cannot stress the importance of it enough, we do realise that you cannot put an old head on young shoulders.
“Young people are, generally, easily influenced.
“They tend to take risks and they sometimes show off to their friends.
“If you have a young person who is intending on travelling to the rally this weekend, then please do talk to them about the dangers involved in not wearing a seatbelt, speeding, driving while under the influence, driving dangerously or getting into a car with someone who is under the influence or who drives dangerously.”
Yesterday, An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland jointly launched their Cross-Border Traffic Management Plan for the event.
At the launch, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division emphasised that road safety will be actively promoted on both sides of the border throughout the weekend.
“The Donegal International Rally is a major event which attracts thousands of visitors to our county,” she said.
“We are calling on all road users and rally fans to enjoy the event responsibly and to prioritise road safety above all else.
“Our appeal is simple: Keep the Race in its Place.
“An Garda Síochána will have a highly visible presence across the county over the weekend with checkpoints, speed enforcement and patrols targeting dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone and seat belt offences.
“Reckless and irresponsible driving on public roads will not be tolerated.
“Our focus is on keeping people safe.”
Meanwhile, several temporary road closures are scheduled to take place over the weekend as a result of the rally.
The first of these closures will be the Port Road, which closes today from 4.15pm until 9pm for the ceremonial start.
A section of the Cullion Road will close tomorrow, Friday from 2pm until 2am on Saturday. The road will close again at 10am on Saturday until 2am on Sunday and from 10am on Sunday until 10pm.
The diversion route will be via the Leck Road, the LetterkennyStranorlar Road and the Four Lane Road.
Elsewhere in Letterkenny, the BallyraineRamelton Road will be closed on Sunday from 4pm to 8.30pm.
Alternatively, you can travel via the N56 Ramelton Road, N56 Business Park Road or the Gortlee Road.
Moving out of Letterkenny, the Carndonagh Relief Road from the SuperValue junction will be closed on Friday, June 20 from 9.30am to 7pm.
Local access to shops and business will be maintained at all time and there will be local diversions in place.
Besides these traffic disruptions, GAA fans are urged to expect traffic delays this Sunday as they travel to MacCumhaill Park in Ballybofey for the Donegal vs Louth All-Ireland Senior Football Championship Preliminary Quarter-Final.
With throw in at 4pm, fans are urged to leave extra time for travel to and from the game, especially if they have to travel via Letterkenny as traffic will be heavier than usual.
While gardaí endeavour to assist traffic movement as much as possible, the large numbers attending the game and on the roads this weekend will result in unavoidable delays.
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