As thousands of motor enthusiasts converge on Donegal this weekend for the Donegal International Rally, Gardaí are issuing a stern warning: reckless driving will not be tolerated.
An Garda Síochána and the PSNI have jointly launched a Cross-Border Traffic Management Plan specifically for the Donegal International Rally.
To ensure safety and compliance, Gardaí are deploying additional officers and unmarked patrol cars for checkpoints and increased patrol visibility.
Garda motorcyclists and the Garda Air Support Unit will also be actively involved in monitoring traffic and ensuring safety throughout the rally weekend.
Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division emphasized the operation’s aim: to ‘Keep the Race in its Place’.
She stated: “An Garda Síochána is collaborating with the PSNI to promote road safety on both sides of the border this weekend. The Donegal International Rally is a significant event drawing thousands of visitors. We urge all road users and rally enthusiasts to enjoy the event responsibly and prioritize road safety above all.”
“Our message is clear: Keep the Race in its Place. An Garda Síochána will maintain a highly visible presence across Donegal, with checkpoints, speed enforcement, and patrols targeting dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone use, and seat belt offences. Reckless and irresponsible driving will not be tolerated. Our priority is the safety of everyone on the roads.”
PSNI Chief Inspector for Derry City & Strabane, Cherith Craig, added, “We anticipate busier roads due to the Donegal International Rally, a major motorsports event with a large spectator turnout. With increased cross-border traffic expected, we’re partnering with An Garda Síochána to focus on road safety.”
“Our officers will be conducting patrols and checks to ensure road users are compliant with the law, vehicles are roadworthy, and everyone contributes to road safety.”
“Road safety is a shared responsibility, and we must work together to reduce road injuries and fatalities. We urge everyone to slow down, stay safe, and enjoy the weekend responsibly. Remember the fatal five: avoid drink or drug-driving, reduce speed, avoid carelessness, wear your seat belt, and refrain from using your phone.”
Gardaí welcome participants and spectators to the Donegal International Rally and encourage responsible driving practices to enhance the overall experience:
• Plan your journey and allow ample time, considering road closures and anticipated high traffic volumes. This may also impact public transportation.
• Follow the guidance of Gardaí and race marshals.
• Buckle up, avoid using mobile phones while driving, and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
• Observe the rally from designated safe viewing areas.
Several road closures are scheduled for the Donegal International Rally weekend.
Selected main routes in Letterkenny and Carndonagh will be closed to accommodate events and ensure access for emergency vehicles.
On Thursday, June 19th, the Port Road will be closed from 4:15 PM to 9:00 PM for the rally’s ceremonial start.
The Cullion Road in Letterkenny will be intermittently closed to facilitate an emergency vehicle access route throughout the weekend:
- Friday, June 20th, 2025, from 2:00 PM to 2:00 AM on Saturday, June 21st, 2025.
- Saturday, June 21st, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 AM on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025.
- Sunday, June 22nd, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on Sunday, June 22nd, 2025.
This entails the closure of the L1094/2 Cullion Road in Drumnahoagh from the junction with the L1114/2&3 Leck Road to the junction with the N56/82 Four Lane Road. The diversion route will utilize the L1114/2 (Leck Road), the N13/8 (Letterkenny Stranorlar Road), and the N56/82 (Four Lane Road).
On Sunday, June 22nd, the Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road will be closed from 4:00 PM to 8:30 PM for the closing ceremony at the winner’s ramp at the Mount Errigal Hotel.
On Friday, June 20th, the Carndonagh Relief Road from the Supervalu Junction to the L-12611 will be closed from 9:30 AM to 7:00 PM. Local access to shops and businesses will be maintained at all times.
Detailed maps and additional information can be found at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/en/services/roads/road-notices-donegal-international-rally-2025/
Stages
The comprehensive list of road closures for rally stages is available at: https://www.donegalcoco.ie/media/ofcdyysd/initial-notice-donegal-rally.pdf
Gardaí vow tough stance on road offences throughout rally weekend was last modified: June 18th, 2025 by
