Expect traffic delays during Biden visit - Gardaí

Anton McNulty

WITH US President Joe Biden arriving in Mayo this afternoon, An Garda Síochána have asked the public to be aware of traffic management measures which will take place across the county.
President Biden is expected to arrive at Ireland West Airport Knock around lunchtime this afternoon and will make a number of engagements in the county before finishing the day in Ballina with a public speech outside St Muredach’s Cathedral on the banks of the River Moy.

During the day, President Biden will visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Knock before travelling to Castlebar for a private visit to Mayo Roscommon Hospice.
He will then visit the North Mayo Heritage ‪and Genealogical Centre’s Family History Research Unit at Enniscoe House in Crossmolina and is expected to deliver his speech in Ballina at around 9pm.‬

An Garda Síochána have asked the public to be aware of traffic measures at various locations around the county and to make alternative travel arrangements.
Ireland West Airport will operate as normal at all times, but those travelling to and from the airport on the afternoon of April 14 should allow additional time due to possible temporary road closures.
During the visit of President Biden traffic diversions will be in place on the Westport side of Castlebar Town from midday to 5pm. These will include partial closures of the Westport Road into Castlebar Lannagh Road, Old Westport Road from Lannagh Road to the main entrance to Mayo University Hospital and Humbert Way to Cathal Duffy’s Roundabout.
Diversions will be in place and access to Mayo University Hospital will be affected by traffic diversions and this will reduce car park availability. Any persons attending appointments tomorrow afternoon should arrive early. Emergency Services will be unaffected by traffic management on the day.
Access onto the Westport Road in Castlebar will be restricted for a period of time and any traffic, particularly large vehicles travelling to or from the Westport area via Castlebar, should divert through either Newport or Ballinrobe.

From approximately 12.30pm to 3pm, temporary traffic restrictions may occur on the N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris and diversions will be in place during any traffic restrictions. 
From approximately 1.30pm to 3.30pm, temporary traffic restrictions may occur on the N5 between Charlestown and Castlebar. Diversions will be in place during any traffic restrictions. Gardaí say they will reopen roads as soon as possible.
From 10am until after the public event finishes in Ballina access to Ballina town will be restricted to local residents and business workers only. The N59 through Ballina will be closed to traffic from 10am for the duration of the event.
In general traffic intending on travelling through Ballina on the N59 should divert via N26/ N5/ N17 Foxford, Swinford, Charlestown, Tobercurry, Sligo.

Park and Ride
A Park and Ride service will be in place for those travelling into Ballina on the evening of Friday, April 14. The inbound shuttle service will begin at 3pm and conclude at 7pm. 
The outbound shuttle service will operate from the drop off points from 10pm and will conclude at midnight. 
Persons requiring disability access should make themselves known at the park and ride centres. Gardaí will be present at the park and ride locations to assist the public.
If attending the public event in Ballina members of the public are encouraged not to be in possession of large bags. 
For security reasons pedestrians seeking to access certain areas and any bags in their possession may be subject to search.
Any item that could be determined to be a safety hazard, including but not limited to large items such as flag poles, tripods, folding steps, folding chairs etc may be restricted.
Park and shuttle locations are as follows:  Zone 1 – Knockmore: GAA Car Park, drop-off and return location at the junction of James Street and Hill Street.

Zone 2 – Castleconnor Community Centre Car-Park, drop-off and return location at Bunree Industrial Estate.
Zone 3 – Crossmolina: various parking around town, drop-off and return location at Mercy Road.
Zone 4 – North Ballina: McVann Furniture, Killala Road, drop-off and return location at Bohernasup.

President Biden will depart Mayo from Ireland West Airport to Dublin Airport on the late evening of April 14.