This upcoming weekend, the city of Dublin will experience continuous road closures and significant limitations in public transport due to the Dublin Marathon involving over 20,000 participants. One can feel the influence of the race even prior to its commencement on Sunday, as Merrion Square South is already inaccessible, and surrounding roads of the marathon’s start and end points shall commence closures from Saturday morning.
The marathon kicks off at 8:40am on Sunday on Leeson Street Lower. The countdown to the race beginning may be extended, considering the 22,000 racers participating. The route of the marathon commences through the heart of the city, then moves towards a river crossing near Heuston Station. The race continues its progression via Stoneybatter, North Circular Road, and finally enters Phoenix Park.
The race resumes by tracing back across the river, subsequently meandering along South Circular Road, Dolphin’s Barn and finally advancing through the city’s outskirts before reaching its destination at Mouth Street Upper. The fastest runners are expected to conclude their marathon by 11am. However, the strenuous event will persist for the remainder of the day, with the last of the racers predicted to reach the finish line at approximately 5pm.
Gradual reopening of the obstructed roads will commence from 11am. By the early afternoon, the northern side of the city is projected to be cleared of runners. Road reopening, south of the Liffey, will methodically take place in half-hour increments thereafter. Some proximal roads to the finish line will remain shut till 8pm on Sunday. The southern side of Merrion Square is set to be the last city road to reopen, scheduled for 2 pm on the following bank holiday Monday.
Anticipated weather over the weekend comprises alternating sunny spells and showers. Nevertheless, more constant rainfall can be expected on Sunday afternoon. In other news, the Garda has heightened its road policing operation for the bank holiday weekend. Hence, 20 individuals have been arrested for intoxicated or drug-induced driving since Thursday, with additional 200 identified for exceeding speed limits.
Chief Superintendent Jane Humphries of the Garda Roads Policing Unit highlighted the potential difficulties faced by drivers during the holiday weekend due to daylight saving time and changing weather conditions. She advised public to ensure ample time for their trips and to confirm their vehicles, particularly their tyres, are in good roadworthy condition.
She emphasised that any arrest made for drunk or impaired driving signifies a life saved and a potential fatal accident prevented. “Each arrest stops that individual from causing an accident that could easily result in their own or someone else’s death,” she explained.
Superintendent Humphries also pointed out that average speed cameras have been installed on the M5 and M3 to influence driver behaviour positively. She reassured the public these cameras are not for punishment, but rather a safeguard to save lives by encouraging safer driving behaviour. “The goal is to save lives by altering how people drive,” she stated, “It really is as straightforward as that.”
Reaffirming her primary messages, she added, “Simply put, if you’ve been consuming alcohol or drugs, don’t drive. Whenever you’re in a car, whether as a driver or a passenger, always have your seat belts on. Avoid distractions, whether from mobile phones or passengers, and maintain a speed suitable for the weather and road conditions.”