News
Gardaí issue advice ahead of Rally Weekend
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On Friday, May 4 the International Rally of the Lakes commences in Killarney and continues until Monday, May 7. This event is incorporated into the May Bank Holiday Weekend Festivities and has proved to be an exceptionally busy weekend for the town of Killarney and the surrounding area.
The competition side of the rally is staged over two days: eight stages on Saturday from 7am in the morning to 5.50pm in the evening, and a further eight stages on Sunday starting at 7am and concluding on the Ceremonial Grand Stand at The Gleneagle Hotel at 5pm. Full details of road closures are available on www.garda.ie.
Speaking at Killarney Garda Station this week, Sgt Dermot O’Connell said: "The rally weekend creates a significant increase in policing demands for An Garda Síochána. The massive influx of rally supporters, competitors and regular holiday weekenders to the Killarney area is estimated to be in the region of 60,000 visitors. The entire weekend is there to be enjoyed by the whole family and that is exactly what we want to see, people enjoying themselves.
“This year’s Policing Operation has built on the success of recent years; it sets out the plan of action to deal effectively with all of these policing needs that have been identified following consultation with the many stakeholders. There will be numerous checkpoints set up over the weekend as well as increased high visibility patrols in the Killarney area. Any anti-social behaviour, public drinking or reckless behaviour on the roads will not be tolerated. We are asking anyone who is attending the rally this weekend to park up the car for the evening if you are having a drink and remember that you may still be over the limit the morning after a night out.”