Traffic delays on route to Ploughing Championships following collision
People walking through the site at the National Ploughing Championships at Ratheniska, Co Laois. Picture Dan Linehan
Gardaí are warning of traffic delays on the way to the Ploughing Championships.
They are currently at the scene of a collision in Co Laois.
The incident happened in Mullaghanard, outside Mountmellick on Wednesday morning.
Gardaí say a motorcyclist was involved in a collision with a van. The motorcyclist was brought to Midlands Regional Hospital in Tullamore, and his injuries are not believed to be life-threatening. There were no other injuries reported
The R442 was temporarily closed but has since reopened.
A garda spokesperson said that those travelling to Ratheniska for the Ploughing Championships may experience delays if taking this route.
The second day of Europe's largest outdoor event is underway as 300,000 attendees are expected at the championships.
This year, millions of euros worth of agricultural and plant machinery will be on display, with an opportunity to see some in action in the demonstration area.
There will also be livestock on show and people will be able to learn about management, genetics, nutrition, and healthcare.
Macra is set to break the Guinness World Record for most people simultaneously throwing wellies and is looking for 800 people to help them achieve the feat at noon on Wednesday.
The National Brown Bread Baking Competition commenced its semi-finals on Wednesday morning, with winners set to be announced later in the afternoon.
Weather-wise, Met Éireann say it should be "blustery" on Wednesday with sunny spells and showers — some heavy with a few thunderstorms.
A weather warning for wind remains in place for Donegal until 1pm as Met Éireann say it could potentially impact driving conditions as well as the chance of falling branches/trees and loose debris blowing around.
Gusty winds are expected on Wednesday, with some strong ones in the northern coastal areas. High temperatures of 17C are expected.
However, temperatures will drop later in the night, with lows of 4C expected. There should be some showers overnight, with most confined to western and northern counties. But long clear spells are expected elsewhere and "turning rather cold."
Thursday then should start out largely dry with bright or sunny spells. However, clouds will increase during the day with some showers developing.
Met Éireann says it will stay "heavy and prolonged in parts of the north and northwest".
Thursday night then will be partly cloudy with well-scattered showers which will be "frequent, blustery and occasionally heavy in the northern and northwestern coastal areas".
Lows of 7C to 9C are expected with some strong winds near the coast.
Check out the Irish Examiner's WEATHER CENTRE for regularly updated short and long range forecasts wherever you are.
