Farmers told ‘plough on and ditch satnavs’
That is because the pre-programmed satellite navigation systems could take drivers off the most direct Garda planned routes to the 700-acre site located just off the N80 and M7.
Gardaí are instead requesting travellers to plan their journey in advance in accordance with the most appropriate route, allow plenty of time for their journey and follow directions.
A traffic management plan to facilitate the free flow of traffic to and from the arena and surrounding car parks has published.
Gardaí from across the Midlands will activate the plan at first light tomorrow, backed by An Garda Síochána’s mounted and aerial units.
Drivers are being particularly urged not to take short cuts, as they could end up on roads that have been temporarily closed.
Supt Yvonne Lundon, Portlaoise, who is in charge of the traffic management plan, is urging motorists to observe the direction signage and Garda instructions.
More than 190,000 people are expected to attend the festival, hailed as the biggest outdoor agricultural event in Europe.
There are six main access routes. All have direction signs. Gardaí will be on duty at junctions.
Gardaí say it is imperative that traffic from Munster exits the M8 at Junction 4 (Urlingford/Johnstown).
Drivers from Dublin, Leinster, and the North are advised to exit the M7 at Junction 15 (Cappakeel) while traffic from Limerick/ Kerry/ South West should exit at Junction 17 (Togher) on the M7). Drivers from the West, the South-East, Carlow, and Kilkenny are urged to follow the ‘Ploughing’ signs.
Motorists are also advised to have passes clearly displayed on the windscreen of their vehicle and not placed in the boot or back seat.
They are requested not to cause a build-up by asking directions.
The AA is warning motorists that delays are likely on the N78 Kilkenny/Athy Rd, on the M8 Dublin/Cork Rd and on the M7 Dublin/Limerick Rd.
Bus Éireann will operate services to Athy. Irish Rail will also operate services to Portarlington, Kildare, and Athy and a shuttle bus will bring passengers to the site.
€3.8m — cost of staging the event.
€36m — boost to the economy.
190,000 — numbers who will pass through the gates.
80,000 — number of cars at the event.
1,400 — total of exhibitors.
700 — total in acres of the site.
21 — number of different ploughing classes.
340 — number of competitors.
€18,000 — total prize fund.
5 — number of times the event has been held in Co Laois.
22.5km — length of trackway.
2,000 — number of direction signs.
7,000 — total fencing panels.
1,200 — number of catering staff.
450 — number of stewards.
1,400 — number of internal fingerpost signs.
160,000 — number of bottles of minerals that will be consumed.
16 tonnes — volume of prime Irish beef that will be consumed.
60,000 — number of cups of tea and coffee to be sold each day.
3 tonnes — volume of locally sourced pork that will be eaten.
5 tonnes — volume of Irish-sourced soft fruit that will be used.
30,000 — number of breakfasts/ breakfast rolls that will be sold each day.
16,000 — volume of litres of milk that will be consumed.
14,000 — number of eggs that will be eaten.
4 tonnes — volume of cheese that will be used.
1,500 — boxes of fresh Irish salads that will be eaten.
