An Garda Síochána in Galway will have an extensive policing plan in operation for the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Galway City today.
This plan for the bank holiday weekend is being co-ordinated with public transport providers, Galway City Council, the National Ambulance Service and Galway Fire and Rescue Service.
Road closures and traffic management measures will be in place to facilitate the operation of all festivities in the city centre with as minimum disruption as possible.
These closures and restrictions will be managed by Gardaí on a staggered basis depending on location as the parade progresses.
An Garda Síochána is advising those attending the parade to:
• Pick an area along the route to view the parade ahead of time
• Arrive early
• Plan the journey into the city in advance
• Use public transport where possible
• Keep children under close supervision to avoid being accidentally separated in the crowd
• Pack sensibly and mind personal belongings
• Follow the instructions of Gardaí and stewards
The parade starts at 11:30am at University of Galway, onto University Road, crossing Salmon Weir Bridge, onto St Francis Street, Eglinton Street, Williamsgate Street, Eyre Square and Bóthar na mBan, finishing at Dyke Road carpark.
Road closures along the route will be in place from 11am until approximately 2pm.
Superintendent Paudie O’Shea, Community Engagement, Galway City, said: “This weekend promises to be a fun and family-friendly occasion for people of all ages to enjoy the St Patrick’s festivities.
“We have been working closely with Galway City Council and festival organisers to ensure that a full policing plan is in place to safely facilitate the parade and the range of planned events due to take place.”
“We will have extra patrols and Gardaí will be out working hard to make sure that everyone is safe and we ask for the public’s help in this.”
“Please refrain from any on-street, public consumption of alcohol most especially during the day. It won’t be tolerated.
“Our Road Traffic Management Plan is aimed at causing the most minimum disruption for people while we facilitate the parade.”
“We will as always be doing our very best in making sure that all those living in and visiting the city will have an enjoyable Bank Holiday weekend, and our priority is that everyone safely enjoys themselves.”
