Gardaí have no plans to close N6 during Mercosur protest in Athlone
Gardaí intend to keep the N6 eastbound open in Athlone during Saturday's Mercosur protest.
An Garda Síochána has said that there are no plans to close the N6 eastbound during Saturday's Mercosur protest in Athlone.
In a statement, Gardaí said that they were aware of the protest, which will involve a convoy of mainly agricultural vehicles from the N61 Roscommon Road, along the N6 travelling eastbound from Junction 12 to Junction 10, and along the N55 towards the R916, Cornamaddy roundabout on Saturday morning.
A march from the vicinity of Junction 9 N6 along the R916 to TUS Athlone, alongside a rally/speeches at TUS Athlone, will form part of the protest.
"It is expected that there will be significant additional traffic, including slow-moving vehicles, in the N6 area, from Junction 12 to Junction 10, in the morning and over the course of Saturday, January 10th.
"It is not intended that the N6 eastbound will be closed," said the statement.
Gardaí have asked members of the public travelling in the affected areas of the N6 Athlone on Saturday to plan their journeys during this period to ensure to leave enough time for possible traffic disruptions.
"Localised delays" are expected.
There will be additional traffic, parking, and pedestrians in the vicinity of the N55 Cornamaddy roundabout, R916, and environs of TUS Athlone from early morning until the Public Assembly finishes in the afternoon.
An Garda Síochána is asking members of public visiting Athlone Town, in particular the environs of TUS Athlone on Saturday to be aware of potential traffic delays.
The statement concluded by saying that An Garda Síochána has and continues to liaise with Westmeath County Council and Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) to minimise disruption in the Athlone area before, during, and after the protest.
