As thousands of motor enthusiasts make their way to Donegal this weekend, Donegal’s top Garda says that reckless driving will not be tolerated.
Gardaí and the PSNI today jointly launched a Cross-Border Traffic Management Plan for the Donegal International Rally.
Gardaí are reported to be bringing in squads of extra officers as well as unmarked patrol cars for checkpoints and high-visibility patrols.
Garda motorcyclists and the Garda Air Support Unit will also be in action throughout the weekend.
Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division said the major operation aims to ‘Keep the Race in its Place’.
She said: “An Garda Síochána will be working in partnership with our colleagues in the PSNI where we will be out in force this weekend promoting road safety on both sides of the border. The Donegal International Rally is a major event which attracts thousands of visitors to our county. We are calling on all road users and rally fans to enjoy the event responsibly and to prioritise road safety above all else.
“Our appeal is simple: Keep the Race in its Place. An Garda Síochána will have a highly visible presence across the county over the weekend, with checkpoints, speed enforcement, and patrols targeting dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone and seat belt offences. Reckless and irresponsible driving on public roads will not be tolerated. Our focus is on keeping people safe.”
PSNI Chief Inspector for Derry City & Strabane, Cherith Craig, said “We know the roads will be busier than usual this weekend due to the Donegal International Rally, which is a huge motorsports event and attracts massive numbers of spectators. With the expected increase in cross-border traffic from people travelling to and from the event, we’ll be working in partnership with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, focusing on road safety.
“You’ll see our officers on patrol conducting checks to ensure everyone on the road is legal, that their vehicles are roadworthy and that everyone is playing their part in keeping our roads safe.
“We all share the responsibility of road safety and to work together to reduce the number of people injured or killed on our roads. Our plea is to slow down, stay safe and have an enjoyable weekend. Remember the fatal five – don’t drink or drug-drive, slow down, don’t get careless, wear your seat belt and stay off your phone.”
In welcoming all participants and spectators to the Donegal International Rally, gardaí are urging people to drive responsibly in order to maximise the enjoyment of the event:
• Plan your journey and arrive in plenty of time as there will be road closures over the weekend and high volumes of traffic are anticipated. This may also affect public transport.
• Follow advice and guidance from Gardaí and race marshals
• Remember to belt up, put the mobile phone away and never ever drink or take drugs and drive.
• Watch the rally from the designated safe viewing areas
Several road closures have been announced in advance of the Donegal International Rally next weekend.
Some main routes in Letterkenny and Carndonagh will be closed to facilitate events and emergency service vehicles.
On Thursday 19th June, the Port Road will be closed from 4.15pm – 9pm for the ceremonial start of the rally.
The Cullion Road in Letterkenny will be closed at various times to allow for an emergency vehicle access route throughout the weekend:
- Friday 20th of June 2025, 2pm to 2am on Saturday 21st of June 2025,
- Saturday 21st of June 2025, 10am to 2am on Sunday 22nd of June 2025,
- Sunday 22nd of June 2025, 10am to 10pm on Sunday 22nd of June 2025
This involves the closure of the L1094/2 Cullion Road in the townland of Drumnahoagh from the junction with the L1114/2&3 Leck Road to the junction with the N56/82 Four Lane Road. The diversion route will be via the L1114/2 (Leck Road), the N13/8 (Letterkenny Stranorlar Road) and the N56/82 (Four Lane Road).
On Sunday 22nd June, the Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road will be closed from 4pm – 8.30pm for the closing ceremony at the winner’s ramp at the Mount Errigal Hotel.
On Friday 20th June, the Carndonagh Relief Road from Supervalu Junction to the L-12611 will be closed from 9.30am to 7pm. Local access to shops and businesses will be provided at all times.
Maps and details are available at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/en/services/roads/road-notices-donegal-international-rally-2025/
Stages
The full list of road closures for rally stages is available at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/media/ofcdyysd/initial-notice-donegal-rally.pdf
