AA Roadwatch have advised Oxegen festival-goers to begin planning their transport options for the event this weekend.
Oxegen 2011 takes place from this Thursday to Sunday at Punchestown Racecourse off the N7/M7 in Kildare.
AA Roadwatch will broadcast live from the site over the weekend.
“As about 85, 000 people are expected to descend on the site over the weekend we’re urging people to think ahead, and to organise their journey in advance”, says head of AA Roadwatch Aoife Carragher.
“Anyone heading to the festival should make themselves aware of their travel options.
“Festival goers can take Dublin Bus or Bus Éireann directly to the site, they can park at Goffs just off the N7 at J8 Johnstown and avail of the free shuttle bus to the venue, and there is also a free shuttle bus from Naas town centre. If you have a parking pass be aware that you must follow the traffic route that corresponds with your ticket; red or blue!”
The carparks and the campsites open at 12pm on Thursday, while Goffs will open at 1:30pm.
“Priority is given to buses so if you’re driving, it may take you a little bit longer to get there. Be patient and allow plenty of time for your journey,” said Carragher.
“The heaviest traffic is expected on Friday morning as campers make their way to Punchestown, but it will be busier than usual on the roads around Naas all weekend as about 30,000 day-ticket holders will also be travelling.”
“With such a fantastic line-up we’re expecting Oxegen to be a massive success again this year, but drivers cannot forget about being safe on the roads.
“Designate a driver in advance of your journey. Campers driving home on Monday should abstain from drinking late on Sunday night as the alcohol is unlikely to have left their system. A hangover is a sure sign that you shouldn’t drive! And if you don’t have enough sleep, make sure you pull in regularly at safe locations and take a rest.
“Don’t forget that AA Roadwatch will be on hand from Punchestown all weekend letting you know the busiest routes, we’ll be Tweeting any major problems and AA Roadwatch are providing traffic and travel information for the Oxegen iphone app.”