National Ploughing Championships
‘Not all machines are capable of ploughing through fields’
A joint road safety message is being issued by Kildare County Council & the Road Safety Authority with the support of the organisers of this year’s National Ploughing Championships which is being held in Athy, Co. Kildare from the 22nd to 24th September. Motorists are being urged to prepare for their journey, plan ahead and obey and co-operate with the Gardaí and stewards on approach to the event.
The Road Safety Authority will distribute up to 40,000 free high visibility vests and the RSA’s new interactive road safety shuttle will also be at the event. Kildare County Council will provide child and adult armbands, school bag dangles and high visibility vests for those attending the event. Students from Athy Community College and Ard Scoil na Trionáide will form part of the road safety promotions team. As part of the campaign, two cars involved in recent collisions will be on display at the stand and people will be able to examine both vehicles and read the crash profile and analysis.
In addition to this, large signs will be visible at each car park exit to remind drivers and passengers about the importance of safe driving & seatbelt wearing.
Kildare’s road safety officer Declan Keogh says that road safety doesn’t need to bring bad news all the time. ‘This is not just an event for the farming or agricultural community, it’s also a family event, for all ages in all communities. Road safety in general brings bad news to a lot of families, but this can be prevented. Our campaign is making people more aware of the risks, dangers and consequences associated with road carnage in a light humored, but strong, interactive and visual way. A comprehensive traffic plan has been put in place and people who can avail of public transport, should. However, for those who have to travel by car, I would ask that you plan ahead, find out what routes to take, and before your journey, ensure you carry out a safety check on your vehicle.’
Noel Brett, CEO, Road Safety Authority said “This year, we will again be giving out FREE high visibility vests for adults and children to ensure pedestrians and cyclists are safe on the roads. As the evenings get darker, we can’t stress how important it is to Be Safe and Be Seen on the road.” So come down to our ‘Shuttle’ at the Ploughing Championships and get a free high visibility vest for you and your loved ones. We urge all motorists to plan ahead and give themselves plenty of time, listen to traffic updates and wear your seatbelts”.
Anna Marie McHugh from the National Ploughing Association says the National Ploughing Championships will attract thousands of families from right across the country and has this advise. ‘This is a three day farming festival. Access to the event will be along country roads and safety must be a priority so that everyone has a good experience of their visit to Athy. Remember the Ploughing is on for 3 days so take your time, think safety and we hope you enjoy the Championships’.
People traveling to the event, particularly motorists are being invited to call to the road safety outdoor display at stand number 227-228 in Row K and the indoor stand in the Blackwater tent.
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