Parking warning for fans attending GAA double header in Limerick

SUPPORTERS driving to the Tus Gaelic Grounds for today's hurling double header are being told: "think before you park".

Thousands of people are expected at the Ennis Road venue for the Dublin-Clare and Galway-Tipperary games.

They've been warned to only park in designated spaces.

It comes after more than 240 people were issued with fines by the gardai for illegal parking on Sunday, June 11, when Limerick's hurlers won a fifth straight Munster title against Clare.

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At this month's travel and transportation strategic policy committee, it was revealed the drivers were sent the fixed-charge notices, which can range from €40 to €200.

And members were also told that some drivers might initially be none the wiser that they are facing a penalty.

That's because the gardai, who alongside traffic wardens have the power to issue fines, do not necessarily need to get out their vehicles.

They simply key a vehicle's registration number into a system, and a fine is automatically issued to the address on file for the number plate.

It means many of the 240 supporters who were deemed to have parked illegally around the Tus Gaelic Grounds on Munster final Sunday may only be finding out now they are facing a charge.

Limerick City and County Council and An Garda Siochana are set to team up on a joint campaign to warn against illegal parking.

Councillor Saša Novak Uí Chonchuair, who chairs the council's transport committee said: "The most important message for match goers this weekend is - think before you park. Am I blocking the footpath or a driveway, will a person in a wheelchair be able to pass safely, will a resident be able to leave their house in case of emergency, is there enough space for emergency vehicles to pass?"

She pointed out that any vehicle parking which blocks footpaths and obstructs access for emergency services is dangerous.

"Gardaí will be issuing tickets and clamping will also be in operation. I would ask people to park only in designated areas or even better arrive on public transport. All four counties that will be playing in Gaelic Grounds on Saturday have very good public transport connections with Limerick and that will give the opportunity to the fans to experience the great social life in the city," Cllr Novak Uí Chonchuair added.