Motorists warned of heavy may bank holiday traffic

Motorists have been warned of a busy weekend ahead as schools break for the May Bank Holiday and thousands of holidaymakers take to the roads.

Traffic volumes are expected to pick up this afternoon and with some heavy showers expected, motorists are advised to exercise caution.

Gardaí say there will be a particular focus this weekend on the enforcement of drink-driving legislation, speeding and breaches of the road transport legislation.

Officers will also focus on the need for motorcyclists to be conscious of safety.

The Road Safety Authority has also appealed to road users to take extra care on the roads this weekend.

The RSA said that 28 people have died and 50 seriously injured in May Bank Holiday crashes since 2005.

Minister for Transport Noel Dempsey said: ‘As we approach a busy bank holiday weekend, I want to remind everyone that the statistics on road safety speak for themselves.

‘I urge everyone, (irrespective of the length of your journey), to please take care if you are driving, walking or cycling on our roads.’

Elsewhere, more than 208,000 passengers are expected to travel through Dublin Airport over the course of the weekend.

Over 1,800 flights will arrive and depart during the period, including 70 charters.

Iarnród Éireann and Bus Éireann also expect an increase in passenger numbers.