Earlier this week, the County Carlow Chamber met with members of An Garda Síochána to discuss concerns which had been raised by a number of members in relation to the dates 17th to 19th September during the National Ploughing Championships.

The Traffic Plan for the ploughing was released, showing details of the various routes that will be in operation over the 3 days to ensure that traffic flows smoothly, focused on reducing any impact on local businesses and communities.  Traffic arriving to the ploughing site will be diverted to a number of routes, all of which are designed to ensure that movement is controlled and that the volumes are evenly dispersed.  In most cases the exiting traffic will follow the very same route out of the site.  Some points to note include:

• The N80, Carlow to Bunclody road will be closed along the main section from the junction at the M9 Motorway to Ballon, being used for emergency traffic and designated bus traffic only.  No private vehicles will be permitted access to this road, with the exception of some designated local traffic.  Any queries in relation to access on this road should be made directly to Carlow Garda in advance.
• Junction 5 of the M9 at Tinryland will be restricted from 4am until 7pm.  During this restricted period, no traffic will be able to exit the motorway at this exit.  Traffic coming from Carlow, will however be able to join the motorway.
• Any traffic that travel out the N80 from Carlow, heading for the ploughing will be diverted to join either the Blue or Purple Routes as appropriate.
• The expectation is that the peak traffic periods will cover approx. 3 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening.
• Diversionary routes will be in operation to ensure traffic travelling Carlow to Bunclody and Bunclody to Carlow etc will be directed around the ploughing in an effort to ensure smooth travel.  These diversionary routes will be clearly signposted.
• Garda are in the process of contacting businesses and private residences along the particular routes and also where potential impacts may be expected.   Some of these meetings have taken place and more are planned for the coming weeks.  Queries can be raised directly with An Garda Síochána in Carlow.

Recommendations from An Garda Síochána

• Please ensure that you allow extra time for your journey, whether attending the ploughing or indeed moving across Carlow
• If you are planning to access the site, please follow one of the designated routes
• Members of An Garda Síochán will be stationed at junctions along the routes highlighted on the traffic plan, please follow the instructions given to ensure smooth movement
• Any signage that is placed along the Grass Verges of designated routes or in the vicinity of the site, will be removed