Croker traff ic chaos … and a hurricane!
Match-goers warned to avoid quays – and Ironmen
IT SOUNDS like a perfect storm for commuters: a triathlon, an All-Ireland semi-final, a new road layout and the tail end of a hurricane will all be hitting Dublin tomorrow.
The result is likely to be traffic gridlock, especially along the quays.
Ireland is expected to be battered by heavy rain and winds today and tomorrow from the tail end of Hurricane Gert.
Kerry and Mayo motorists heading to Croke Park for the match are being warned to avoid travelling through the city centre due to the new road arrangements on the quays.
Starting today, general traffic on the stretch on the North Quays between Ormond Quay Upper and Eden Quay will be reduced to one lane.
The quays will also be closed off completely between 7am and 10am for the Ironman 70.3 Dublin triathlon.
As part of the new traffic system, there are no more right turns from Bachelors Walk onto O’Connell Bridge, except for public transport, taxis and bicycles. There is also an extra bus lane and new bus priority traffic signals on Bachelors Walk, approximately 100m before O’Connell Bridge.
Supporters driving to the match should use the M50 northbound, exiting at junction three, four, or five, or use the park & ride at the Red Cow and take the Red Luas Line.
The R109 from the Phoenix Park westbound and other minor roads out to the Dunboyne-Kilcock area and back to Lucan will also be closed until 1.30pm for the Ironman. National roads and motorways won’t be affected.
The roads in the Phoenix Park will be closed for the most part until the evening. There will also be Luas Cross City testing on the newly constructed line.
‘It’s going to be a little chaotic no matter how well the gardaí do their job,’ said Dublin TD Noel Rock. ‘If you’re coming in from Mayo or Kerry, leave as early as possible and arrive as early as possible. And if you can, get the train.’
A spokesman for Dublin City Council said there would be traffic management signs around the city and the M50 advising people to take alternative routes by coming in around Ballymun and Drumcondra.
Conor Faughnan of the AA said; ‘An All-Ireland weekend in August, with events in the city, it’s going to be busy for sure. So you’ll need to a little research before you head in.’
‘Have a look at the AA website and give yourself some extra time and you’ll be fine.’
Meanwhile Met Éireann has issued three weather warnings ahead of Hurricane Gert’s arrival today, with heavy rainfall predicted and a risk of spot flooding.
A Status Yellow rainfall warning has been issued for Connacht, Cavan, Monaghan, Donegal, Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Longford, Louth, Wicklow, Offaly, Westmeath, Meath, Clare and Tipperary. Status Yellow blight and small craft warnings have also been issued.
The day will begin dry in most places before outbreaks of rain spread northeast across the country, reaching Dublin by the evening. It is unclear if the All-Ireland game will be affected.