Parking on N5 'not recommended' for big GAA match

GARDAI have warned they will be 'red-carding' motorists who park dangerously or irresponsibly at Saturday's big GAA National League game in Castlebar between Mayo and Dublin.

A huge turnout – possibly up to 15,000 – is expected for the joust, under lights, between the arch-rivals at Elvery's MacHale Park.

But the contest has created significant health and safety concerns due to GAA fans parking on the hard shoulder of the N5 national primary route as it approaches Castlebar.

Fears have been raised of possible injuries, even death, as fans leave and return to their vehicles under cover of darkness.

The game has a 7 p.m. throw-in.

GardaI, the GAA and Mayo County Council have been consulting over the issue in the past week.

Supt. Joe McKenna says parking by fans along the N5 is not recommended for health and safety reasons.

He said there will be ample parking free car parking for fans within the environs of Castlebar itself including the town's military barracks.

“Most supporters do not wear reflective jackets," he observed. “They will be coming to town wearing hats and scarves. As it will be dark, visibility will be an issue.

“Not every motorist along the N5 on Saturday evening will realise there is a football match on.”

Supt. McKenna warned that any vehicle causing an obstruction or dangerously parked on Saturday evening will be towed away.

Extra gardai to enforce the stricter parking policty will be on duty for Saturday's game.