TRAFFIC measures for the St Patrick’s Day and International Band Championship parades, along with a packed programme of events for the St Patrick’s Festival celebrations, have been announced for the city by Gardaí.
Traffic preparations begin at 4am on the morning of the International Band Championship parade on Sunday (March 16), when all vehicles must be removed from the parade route.
The route follows along O’Connell Avenue, The Crescent, O’Connell Street, Glentworth Street, Henry Street, Liddy Street, Arthur’s Quay, Francis Street, and Bridge Street.
Effectively, there are road closures from Punches Cross to Athlunkard Street, and exact road closures can be found on limerick.ie.
Shannon Bridge and Thomond Bridge will remain open at all times, however Sarsfield Bridge will be closed to inbound and outbound traffic from 11am to 4pm on parade days.
The International Band Championships will start at the junction of Barrington Street and Quinlan Street at 12pm on Sunday.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, traffic preparations also kick off at 4am, when all vehicles must be removed from the parade route, which starts from Barrington Street and continues along Hartstonge Street Upper, The Cresent, Mallow Street, O’Connell Street, Glentworth Street, Henry Street, Liddy Street, Arthur’s Quay, and Francis Street.
Again, Shannon Bridge and Thomond Bridge will remain open at all times, but Sarsfield Bridge will be closed to both inbound and outbound traffic from 11am to 4pm.
On both Sunday and Monday there will be diversions and delay due to road closures.
There will also be disruption to local and national bus service routes for the duration of both parades and customers are advised to contact relevant bus operators for information.
Meanwhile, Sergeant Michelle O’Halloran, Crime Prevention Officer at Henry Street Garda Station, is reminding people that these can be days out out for opportunistic criminals too.
“They want cash, bankcards, and phones. I recommend ladies consider wearing a cross-body bag and I am advising men not to carry your wallet or phone in the back pocket of your trousers, put it in the inside pocket of your jacket or in your front pocket,” she said.
“Report anything or anyone suspicious to Gardai or stewards. Large crowds are expected so please keep your children close and if possible make sure they know their parents’ mobile number, you can write it down and put it in their pocket. This makes being reunited so much easier if they do wander off. Have a chat with them about what to do if they are separated from you.”
Sergeant O’Halloran is also advising people to leave the car at home if possible, “if not, park it legally, do not block any entrances. Remember, illegally parked cars may have consequences for emergency vehicle access or cause damage to the local amenity.”
“A reminder that parking is not permitted on any green areas in the city, with offending drivers liable to have their cars ticketed or towed.”
She also advised drivers to “make sure your car is locked by checking the door handle and do not leave anything in it that might attract a thief. I hope everybody has a safe and enjoyable weekend and remember we are here to help.”
Chief Superintendent Derek Smart added that “we are delighted to welcome everybody to Limerick City and County and hope you truly enjoy the parades and festivities planned for this year’s St Patrick’s Day”.
“In co-ordination with Limerick City and County Council, festival organisers and other stakeholders, we will implement a full policing plan aimed at keeping you safe so as to ensure you can experience one of the best weekends that this city and county has to offer.
“Gardaí will be on hand to ensure a safe and successful weekend for everyone and, with this in mind, we are asking for your assistance and support.
“Please note that the public consumption of alcohol is illegal and will not be tolerated, especially during the day.”
