An Garda Síochána has released crucial traffic and safety guidance for the 75,000 festival-goers expected to attend this year’s Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co. Laois. The festival kicks off today, Thursday, 15th August 2024, and runs until Monday, 19th August 2024.
To ensure a safe journey for attendees and minimise disruption for local residents and non-event traffic, Gardaí will be present on all routes surrounding the festival site. Those travelling to Rosslare Port are advised to avoid Stradbally and use alternative routes.
Public Transport and Travel Advice
Festival-goers are strongly encouraged to use public transport. The nearest train station to Stradbally is Portlaoise, from which a paid shuttle bus service will run directly to the festival’s designated Pick-up Drop-off area.
Motorists are advised to avoid relying on Sat Nav or GPS systems and instead use the specially developed interactive map provided by Gardaí, which offers the clearest directions for those travelling from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, the west, and the south-east of Ireland.
Motorist Safety
Gardaí urge all motorists to:
- Drive slowly and cautiously.
- Ensure all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
- Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions, such as using a phone or adjusting music.
- Take regular breaks, especially on Sunday evening or Monday when returning home, to avoid driving while tired.
Garda checkpoints will be in place throughout the weekend to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone failing a roadside test will be arrested and may face disqualification and fines if further tests confirm impairment.
Parking and Vehicle Safety
Car parks for early entry ticket holders open at 4 pm today, while general ticket holders can access car parks from 9 am tomorrow. These will remain open until 4 pm on Monday. Illegally parked vehicles will be towed, and there will be no collection point at any car park during the weekend. All drop-offs must use the designated Pick-up Drop-off area.
General Safety Advice
An Garda Síochána has released crucial traffic and safety guidance for the 75,000 festival-goers expected to attend this year’s Electric Picnic in Stradbally, Co. Laois. The festival kicks off today, Thursday, 15th August 2024, and runs until Monday, 19th August 2024.
To ensure a safe journey for attendees and minimise disruption for local residents and non-event traffic, Gardaí will be present on all routes surrounding the festival site. Those travelling to Rosslare Port are advised to avoid Stradbally and use alternative routes.
Public Transport and Travel Advice
Festival-goers are strongly encouraged to use public transport. The nearest train station to Stradbally is Portlaoise, from which a paid shuttle bus service will run directly to the festival’s designated Pick-up Drop-off area.
Motorists are advised to avoid relying on Sat Nav or GPS systems and instead use the specially developed interactive map provided by Gardaí, which offers the clearest directions for those travelling from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, the west, and the south-east of Ireland.
Motorist Safety
Gardaí urge all motorists to:
- Drive slowly and cautiously.
- Ensure all passengers are wearing seatbelts.
- Stay focused on the road and avoid distractions, such as using a phone or adjusting music.
- Take regular breaks, especially on Sunday evening or Monday when returning home, to avoid driving while tired.
Garda checkpoints will be in place throughout the weekend to detect drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Anyone failing a roadside test will be arrested and may face disqualification and fines if further tests confirm impairment.
Parking and Vehicle Safety
Car parks for early entry ticket holders open at 4 pm today, while general ticket holders can access car parks from 9 am tomorrow. These will remain open until 4 pm on Monday. Illegally parked vehicles will be towed, and there will be no collection point at any car park during the weekend. All drop-offs must use the designated Pick-up Drop-off area.
General Safety Advice
Gardaí encourage festival-goers to stay safe by:
- Bringing only essential items and using on-site lockers for valuables.
- Keeping payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay password-protected.
- Including a close contact’s number on their phone’s lock screen for easier return if lost.
- Reporting any suspicious activity or incidents to the nearest Garda or security staff, or at the on-site Garda tent.
Chief Superintendent’s Message
Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan highlighted the extensive preparation involved in coordinating the festival:
“An Garda Síochána has been putting in a huge amount of work behind the scenes with the festival organiser and our colleagues in the Health Service Executive and the Civil Defence to co-ordinate the festival.”
“It takes enormous effort to prepare for this event, as well as really hard work from Gardaí working across the weekend to keep everyone safe and well. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend, and to look after themselves and one another.”
“For a festival of this size, we need everyone’s support to make sure it goes off successfully. We ask everyone attending to be patient and work with us. We’re here to help so no one attending Electric Picnic should hesitate to call on us for help or support or stop us to say hello.”
Festival-goers are reminded to stay vigilant and report any concerns to Gardaí to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.
- Bringing only essential items and using on-site lockers for valuables.
- Keeping payment apps like Apple Pay and Google Pay password-protected.
- Including a close contact’s number on their phone’s lock screen for easier return if lost.
- Reporting any suspicious activity or incidents to the nearest Garda or security staff, or at the on-site Garda tent.
Chief Superintendent’s Message
Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan highlighted the extensive preparation involved in coordinating the festival:
“An Garda Síochána has been putting in a huge amount of work behind the scenes with the festival organiser and our colleagues in the Health Service Executive and the Civil Defence to co-ordinate the festival.”
“It takes enormous effort to prepare for this event, as well as really hard work from Gardaí working across the weekend to keep everyone safe and well. We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend, and to look after themselves and one another.”
“For a festival of this size, we need everyone’s support to make sure it goes off successfully. We ask everyone attending to be patient and work with us. We’re here to help so no one attending Electric Picnic should hesitate to call on us for help or support or stop us to say hello.”
Festival-goers are reminded to stay vigilant and report any concerns to Gardaí to ensure a safe and enjoyable event for all.