Road safety will be top of the agenda for gardaí at this year’s National Ploughing Championships.

The chief superintendent for Laois and Offaly, Anthony Lonergan, has stressed that the overall aim is to ensure everyone attending the event gets to and from the site safely.

“It’s about keeping people safe and we do that by trying to keep traffic moving, keep disruption to a minimum, but above all, our objective is to ensure that everybody who gets here gets home safely,” he said.

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He highlighted the increase of road fatalities as a reminder of the importance of taking care behind the wheel, particularly when traffic volumes and road conditions change during major events.

“These fatalities are not just statistics. They touch families, friends, wider groups and entire communities,” he said.

Motorists are urged to plan ahead and to familiarise themselves with the designated traffic routes.

'Allow extra time'

“In brief, I ask every road user to take a moment and plan your journey, and to slow down, allow extra time on that journey and keep a safe space between the vehicle in front of you.”

He also asked those travelling to and from the event to follow the directions of An Garda Síochána and traffic stewards.

“Road safety is not just the responsibility of An Garda Síochána, it’s a shared responsibility, so I’m asking everybody to play their part.”

Significance

The chief superintendent also spoke of the significance of the National Ploughing Championships to rural Ireland and said the event has a particular personal meaning for him.

“I come from a rural background, so it holds a special place for me in my own heart personally.” He wished the NPA, exhibitors, competitors, local businesses and members of farming and rural communities every success throughout the championships, saying few events bring together such a mix of people.

“There are few events that bring together the cross section of Irish society; rural and urban communities, businesses, young people, exhibitors and visitors from every corner of Ireland and abroad,” he said.

“The Ploughing is much more than a major agricultural event. It’s a celebration of rural life, people and traditions and the hard work of the community spirit.”

Annual tradition

He said the event has become an annual tradition for many people, providing an opportunity to meet old friends, make new ones and showcase Irish produce and rural life.

He also acknowledged the residents living close to the site, as well as communities further afield which may experience disruption as a result of increased traffic.

“I want to acknowledge the local residents, who have over the last number of years supported this event and through their co-operation have allowed this event to successfully take place,” he said.

Looking ahead, the chief superintendent said the aim should be to enjoy and celebrate everything the Ploughing represents while ensuring safety remains a priority.

“Let’s celebrate rural Ireland, farming and the extraordinary community spirit that has been and is displayed every year around promoting the championships.”