Gardaí issue warning to 20,000 motoring fans ahead of Donegal rally

Gardaí have warned thousands of motoring fans heading for Co Donegal this weekend that they will be dealt with severely if they break the law.

More than 20,000 motoring enthusiasts will travel to the county this weekend for the 50th anniversary of the Donegal International Rally.

Gardaí have drafted in reinforcements from across the country to deal with any potential trouble-makers on the roads.

Organisers say they have no issue with genuine rally fans but have pleaded with anybody intending to break the law to consider the consequences.

Head of the Donegal Garda Traffic Corps, Garda Inspector Seamus McGonigle pleaded with what he called a "small minority" not to put others at risk.

He said "Young drivers are unfortunately classed as high risk-takers and we are appealing to parents to make sure that their sons and daughters get sufficient driving experience and that the vehicles they are driving are road worthy.

"Driving too fast, travelling at night, with passengers in the car, not wearing seatbelts, driving after taking alcohol or drugs, are often a lethal combination and young motorists are constantly taking risks behind the wheel.

"We need to stress how important the road safety messages are. High speed sport takes place in a controlled environment with all the protections in place.

"Unfortunately, there is a small minority who drive dangerously, have no interest in the rally and are putting their lives and the lives of other road users in danger”.

There have been 80 deaths to date in 2022, this is an increase of 33 when compared to the same period in 2021.

On Donegal roads, four people have lost their lives to date in 2022, compared to one for the same period in 2021.

Zero tolerance

Brian O’Donnell, road safety officer at Donegal County Council urged young rally fans to "keep the race in its place" and not to be speeding or doing any dangerous manouevres on Donegal's roads.

He said "Large numbers will arrive in Donegal to attend the rally and also to enjoy everything this magnificent county has to offer and we want to emphasise the importance of safety, both on the rally course and on the public roads.

"Followers of the rally need to be reminded to watch the stages from safety areas, always stay within the speed limits and reduce speed in inclement weather conditions and allow plenty of time to arrive safely at your destination.

"We appeal to all rally fans to be cautious, use the road responsibly and be courteous to all road users.

"The Gardaí will be out in force this weekend and we support them in taking a zero tolerance with anyone showing disregard for the rules of the road. It falls on every one of us to ensure our roads are safe for all road users. Please keep the race in its place”.