Last year, almost 300,000 people attended the National Ploughing Championships, and gardaí are expecting even bigger numbers in Screggan, Tullamore, Co. Offaly this September.
The Championships, which will take place from Tuesday, 20th to Thursday, 22nd September, attracts a HUGE number of people, and with this brings traffic. Lots of traffic.
All quiet on site tonight as preparations are well underway for all the excitement of #Ploughing16 pic.twitter.com/uFa39i2ZYf
— National Ploughing (@NPAIE) September 18, 2016
To help with the congestion, gardaí are asking people travelling from the Cork/Munster area to turn off the M8 at JUNCTION 6 (Horse & Jockey) and NOT to continue along the motorway to Portlaoise.
By turning off at Junction 6, drivers will avoid traffic congestion and other ploughing traffic in the Portlaoise area.
Munster/Cork traffic for #ploughing2016 should exit the M8 at J6 (Horse & Jockey). Turn off sat navs follow signs. pic.twitter.com/QtDjr5IxfY
— An Garda Síochána (@GardaTraffic) September 19, 2016
Gardaí on point duty in the towns of Thurles, Templemore, Roscrea and Birr, will be on hand to assist motorists turning off here.
They will also direct drivers to car parks on the west side of the site without having to go into the town of Tullamore or merge with any other traffic approaching the site.
Tractors all set and ready for Ireland's first ever tractor football match at #Ploughing16 pic.twitter.com/SEv4JB18NR
— National Ploughing (@NPAIE) September 17, 2016
"Plan your route, turn off M8 at Junction 6 Horse & Jockey following the signs for the ploughing. Turn off your sat navigation and follow the signs for the ploughing championships," urge the authorities.
