'We'll be seizing defective vehicles': Gardaí announce management plan for Donegal rally

Eva Osborne

An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) have launched their cross-border traffic management plan for the Donegal rally, with gardaí warning defective vehicles will be seized.

The Donegal International Rally will take place from Friday, June 19th, until Sunday, June 21st, with thousands of people expected to attend.

Gardaí said there will be increased checkpoints and high-visibility patrols over the weekend, as well as the presence of additional marked and unmarked vehicles, Garda motorcyclists, and the Garda Air Support Unit.

Chief superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division said: "The cross-border operation is an ongoing initiative and in relation to the rally, both police services are going to be targeting road safety. We’ll be looking at people not wearing seatbelts, using mobile phones, speeding and drinking and using drugs while driving.

"We will also be looking at vehicles to see if they are complying with legislation and whether they’re safe to be on the roads. If they are defective, they will be seized.

"On both sides of the border, we are asking the public that if you do witness dangerous driving, please contact us with their registration or dashcam footage.

"This is the biggest event of the year in Donegal, and a large number of guards are being deployed here and across the region. We will have extra patrol cars, extra persons on the beat, you’ll see the motorcycles out patrolling. This is a serious, 24/7 operation.

"Come to the county, enjoy yourselves, respect competitors, respect road users, respect the communities and Keep the Race in its Place."

PSNI chief inspector Ian Ferriby said: "Our Roads Policing Unit will be active in the area, putting in vehicle checkpoints and speed traps throughout the area approaching Lifford and across the other crossing points as well.

"The message we're trying to put out here is to leave the racing to the rally drivers; everybody attend - have a great time. Watch the Donegal Rally, but don't be speeding.”