Laois Gardai issue traffic plan for Forest Fest 2023

Gardai have announced details of their traffic plan for Forest Fest 2023 this weekend. 

Temporary road closures in and around Emo Village will begin this morning and remain in place until 1pm on Monday. 

Gardai are advising members of the public to use public transport where possible. 

Gardai say shuttle buses are running from several locations in Portlaoise and Portarlington. 

“We will have a comprehensive policing and traffic management plan in place for the duration of the music and arts festival,” they stated.

Gardai said the Drop Off and Collection site is located at the Park and Ride facility on the R445 Old Dublin Road. There is no parking or drop off facility in Emo village.

From Friday morning at 10am until 1pm on Monday temporary road closures will be in place on:

• R422 from junction R445 at New Inn Cross to its junction at R419 Kennels Cross

• L3154 from its junction with the R419 to its junction at the R422

• The R422 (Emo village) to Emo Court -  visitors to Emo Court will be diverted to an alternative entrance.

For those travelling to Forest Fest, Emo Co. Laois:

•  From Dublin use the M7 motorway and take Exit 15

•  From Limerick/Cork use the M7/M8 motorway and take Exit 16

•  From the Midlands (Tullamore) use the N80 to Mountmellick and take the R422 to Kennels Cross, Emo

• From the Southeast use N80 and divert to R445 Old Dublin Road.

Those not attending this weekend's festival but will be in the area are advised to use the following routes:

• From Monasterevin, Co. Kildare use the R445, M7

• From Portarlington use the R419

• From Mountmellick use the R422 and the R419

• From Portlaoise use the R445, M7

Gardai said rain is forecast for the weekend and people should be prepared for the weather.