Limerick motorists warned of 'significant' traffic restrictions ahead of hurling double-header
MOTORISTS are being advised that "significant" road closures will be in place in Limerick city this Saturday afternoon before and after the All-Ireland quarter finals at TUS Gaelic Grounds.
Gardai say traffic diversions and road closures will be in place around the Ennis road area of the city and the surrounding areas from 2pm with the first of the matches, Clare v Dublin, throwing in at 4pm.
A near-capacity attendance is expected for the double-header with Tipperary and Galway throwing in at 6.15pm.
In a public notice, Limerick City and County Council has confirmed there will be rolling road closures from 2pm and that a number of routes will be closed between 2pm and 9pm.
Affected routes include Sarsfield Bridge, Shelbourne Road, Lower Shelbourne Road, and the Ennis Road from Henry Street to Ivan's Cross. Traffic in these areas will be diverted via alternative routes such as the Northern Ring Road, Clonmacken, Shannon Bridge, and Thomond Bridge.
The Salesian's School/North Circular Road junction and Shelbourne Road/North Circular Road at Clanmaurice Avenue will be closed to traffic while Union Cross will be closed to outbound traffic on Ennis Road.
Shelbourne Park/Shelbourne Road and Shelbourne Road/Mayorstone Drive will be subject to road closures.
Additionally, Cratloe Road at its junction with Mayorstone Avenue, Cratloe Road at its junction with Mayorstone Upper, and Old Cratloe Road at its junction with Mayorstone Upper and TUS Roundabout (Merval Park) will be temporarily closed.
During the afternoon and evening, certain traffic signal junctions will have their signals switched out for short periods, with a Garda presence to manage traffic.
These junctions include Hassetts Cross, Union Cross, Ivan's Cross, Condell Rd/Shelbourne Rd, Ennis Rd/Caherdavin Cross (Laya Healthcare Building, formerly Ivan's Shop), Ennis Rd/Jetland, Ennis Rd/Greenhills, Sarsfield St/Henry St, Sarsfield St/O'Connell St, William St/Gerald Griffin St, Cathedral Pl/Newtown Mahon, and Island Road/Sráid O'Cinneide.
Despite the road closures and diversions, residential and business access will be maintained throughout the event. Emergency service vehicle access will also be ensured to address any unforeseen circumstances promptly.
Parking on green areas will not be allowed, and members of An Garda Síochana will issue Fixed Charge Notices to violators. Furthermore, a vehicle tow-away operation will be in place.
To alleviate parking challenges, Limerick City & County Council, An Garda Síochana, and Limerick County GAA Board recommend that patrons arrive and park at least one hour before the start of the matches. City centre off-street car parks and free on-street parking facilities are advised for attendees' convenience.
Public bus routes will be operational for as long as possible, at the discretion of An Garda Síochana, to facilitate transportation to the venue.
Motorists are also being advised that Greenfields Road will be busy this Saturday due to the annual Pig N'Porter Tag Rugby Festival at Old Crescent Rugby Football Club.