Motorists facing long queues in Cork as Springsteen fans make their way to concert

MOTORISTS en route to this evening’s Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band concert at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh are experiencing long queues in the city centre.

There are reports of heavy traffic in the city centre and roads surrounding Páirc Uí Chaoimh as over 40,000 people make their way to the stadium.

According to the AA, traffic is slow along Horgan’s Quay, Albert Quay, Eglinton Street, Victoria Road, Centre Park Road, as well as Grand Parade, South Mall and Union Quay in the city centre.

There are severe delays of 16 minutes on N27 Michael Collins Bridge northbound between the N40 South Ring Road and N8 Penrose Quay, according to the AA’s latest traffic news update.

Motorists are also reminded of roadworks on the N20 Carroll's Quay between N20 and Camden Quay and along the R847 Bachelor's Quay between Henry Street and Grattan Street.

Meanwhile, the grey skies over Cork city this evening haven’t dampened the spirits of concert-goers.

Met Éireann issued a status yellow thunderstorm warning for 18 counties, including Cork, earlier today.

Heavy downpours with thunderstorms and hail with potential spot flooding, hazardous travelling conditions and poor visibility are forecast under the status yellow warning which is to remain in place until 8pm.

Bruce Springsteen is expected to perform a three-hour-long gig at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh this evening to a sold-out crowd.

City centre businesses had been preparing for the additional footfall into the city ahead of and following the gig, with many restaurants booking out all tables and many hotels booking out rooms.

Ireland South European election candidate John Mullins said the use of Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh stadium is “a vital asset” for South Munster, with each event resulting in a €6 million investment in the local economy.