Councillor Warns Of Traffic Issues Ahead Of 2027 National Ploughing Championships

Traffic has been highlighted ahead of next year’s event.

The upcoming move of the National Ploughing Championships to Rathangan could lead to traffic issues in the Midlands.

That’s according to Councillor Noel Cribbin, who has raised concerns about the condition of local roads which will be used by traffic travelling through Edenderry towards the new site.

Councillor Cribbin highlighted a road along the "Derries", as local people refer to it, which he says is in a "dire" state.

He says the road is in poor condition and needs a significant amount of investment to carry out restoration works.

He also highlighted a height restriction at a tunnel along the route, which he says regularly causes difficulties for lorries and trucks.

Councillor Cribbin says the road network is in need of major investment ahead of the event.

With many routes bringing traffic through Edenderry on the journey to Rathangan, he believes the issue will need to be addressed before the championships take place.

Councillor Cribbin says Offaly County Council and Kildare County Council will have to work closely together to try to limit potential traffic issues.

He also says the council may "write to the organisers" of the Ploughing Championships to see what support can be provided towards road repairs ahead of the event.