Heavy traffic around MTU as thousands attend Cork Primary Schools’ Sports event

Drivers are being urged to avoid the Bishopstown area as thousands gather for Cork’s annual primary schools sports event

Thousands of people were already attending the event when it began earlier this morning, with stewards and Gardaí managing traffic. File picture: Larry Cummins.

Traffic is heavy on approach roads to the Munster Technological University (MTU) Bishopstown campus this morning as this year’s Cork Primary Schools’ Sports event gets under way.

More than 6,000 children from 300 primary schools across Cork are participating in the event at MTU today, with traffic currently backed up as far as The Outpost on Curraheen Road.

The annual event is taking place from 9.30am until 5pm, and motorists are being advised to avoid the area if possible.

Thousands of people were already attending the event when it began earlier this morning, with stewards and gardaí managing traffic.

Heavy traffic is expected throughout the day in the Bishopstown area because of the event.

Extended delays are also expected at the Bandon Road roundabout. Those attending the event or dropping off participants near MTU have been asked to co-operate with gardaí and traffic stewards and to park only in designated areas.

A park-and-ride service will operate throughout the day from Curraheen Greyhound Stadium to the Le Chéile building at MTU, approximately five minutes from the event pitches.

The Cork Primary Schools’ Sports event was founded in 1924 by a group of teachers from Cork city schools and has been held every year since, except during wartime.

Children taking part in the sports event will compete in a series of relay and sprint races, with prizes presented to winners after each event in the marquee area.

For more information on the traffic management plan or the race programme, visit lbchorcai.ie.