President Biden to visit Castlebar during his time in Mayo
Further details have been released by An Garda Siochána in regard to the visit by the 46th President of the United States of America, Mr. Joseph R. Biden, to Mayo on Friday.
Although it is not confirmed in the press release, President Biden is expected to make a private visit to Mayo Hospice, a facility very close to his heart, during his short time in Castlebar.
Traffic railings are in place along the Westport Road in the town and run all the way out to Annagh Road.
He will arrive at Ireland West Knock Airport from Dublin Airport on Friday afternoon.
Normal operations will continue at Ireland West Airport at all times, however travelling members of the public should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible temporary road closures.
The following traffic management measures, for security reasons, will be put in place:
• From approximately 12.30 p.m. to 3 p.m. temporary traffic restrictions may occur on the N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris. Diversions will be in place during traffic restrictions
• From approximately 1.30 to 3.30 p.m. temporary traffic restrictions may occur on the N5 between Charlestown and Castlebar. Diversions will be in place
• From approximately 12 noon to 5 p.m. local traffic restrictions will be in place in Castlebar.
• From 10 a.m. until after the public event finishes in Ballina access to Ballina will be restricted to local residents and business workers only.
• The N59 through Ballina will be closed to traffic from 10 a.m. 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, Tubbercurry, Sligo
• The event in Ballina is a public event commencing after 6 p.m.
Registration for public attendance at the event must be done through the U.S Mission Ireland website Homepage - Homepage - U.S. Mission Ireland (usembassy.gov)
• Details on logistics to attend this event have been published on the U.S Mission Ireland website ONE-PAGER_Letter-1_v3.pdf (getusinfo.com)
• Travel to the public event by shuttle bus is the recommended option, logistics details are published on the U.S Mission Ireland website ONE-PAGER_Letter-1_v3.pdf (getusinfo.com)
• Park and Shuttle Locations are provided as follows:
• Zone 1 – Knockmore: GAA Car Park, Drop-off and return location: Junction of James Street & Hill Street
• Zone 2 – Castleconnor Community Centre Car-Park: Drop-off and return location: Bunree Industrial Estate
• Zone 3 – Crossmolina: various parking around town, Drop-off and return location: Mercy Road
• Zone 4 – North Ballina: McVann Furniture, Killala Road, Drop-off and return location: Bohernasup
The 46th President of the United States of America will depart County Mayo from Ireland West Airport to Dublin Airport on the late evening of the 14th April.
Normal operations will continue at Ireland West Airport at all times, however travelling members of the public should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible rolling road closures.
General Information and Advice:
An Garda Síochána is working to ensure that the nature and scale of our policing and security operation continues to be proportionate to the need to protect everyone’s safety.
A spokesperson stated: "Our objective is to continue to share as much information with the public where necessary as soon as we are in a position to do so.
"We would ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of Gardaí and we thank them for their continuing co-operation."
An Garda Síochána reminds members of the public that the operation of Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS/ Drone) is generally prohibited within 5km of any airport, over urban areas, over crowds and in other restricted areas. Non-compliance is a criminal offence.
Members of the Public travelling to Mayo on Friday are asked to plan their journeys during this period to ensure to leave enough time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect some localised delays.
An Garda Síochána has and continues to liaise with business and local residents in the key locations and will continue to communicate directly with them during the visit.
An Garda Síochána continues to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and Public Transport Providers to minimise disruption to the Public Transport Network.
Operational plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons.