THOUSANDS of motorsport enthusiasts are expected in Donegal this weekend to watch the Topaz Donegal International Rally which fires off this morning in Letterkenny.

 

Donegal remains the only three-day event on the Irish rally calendar and because it falls in the middle of the summer, competitors and spectators alike continue to make the annual pilgrimage to the flagship event of the Tarmac Championship.

 

The event was once reported to be worth €25 to the local economy but more recent figures are not available. Hotels and B&Bs, however, have reported a brisk trade. 

 

Spectators have been asked to obey all instructions of safety marshals while Gardai have also warned that anyone caught driving dangerously during this weekend’s rally will be hauled before the local courts. The garda helicopter will be on patrol.

 

Inspector Michael Harrison confirmed that all the necessary extra resources and personnel have already been put in place to police the roads since last night (Thursday).