An estimated 40,000 spectators are expected to make their way to the four-day Women’s Irish Open which begins in Carton House, Maynooth, Co. Kildare today, Thursday 29th August 2024. An Garda Síochána has a full policing operation in place for the duration of the national sporting event including a comprehensive Traffic Management Plan. In 2023, An Garda Síochána launched its Climate Action Roadmap 2023-2030 outlining the organisation’s commitment to safeguarding the environment, reducing our contribution to the carbon footprint and promoting environmentally-friendly practices within our current and future operations. As part of planning with event organisers and stakeholders, An Garda Síochána has been focused on utilising the most sustainable resources and environmentally friendly vehicles in the Garda Fleet to deliver policing services at this year’s Women’s Irish Open. Members of An Garda Síochána on-duty in and around the Carton House estate from today through to Sunday, 1st September 2024 will be using Garda marked and unmarked electric vehicles (EVs), Garda mountain bikes as well as Garda e-bikes. Gardaí assigned to traffic posts on all roads leading into the course will take up their position via bicycle. Those on beat patrol within the estate will also have bicycles, while EVs will be used to provide support to Gardaí on traffic duty and respond to any incident relating to the event. Inspector Ronan MacDonald attached to Leixlip Garda Station, said, "The Women’s Irish Open is a large public event which draws a huge crowd of spectators each year. It was with this in mind that we are using the event as an opportunity to demonstrate that as an organisation we are not shy of working together to help meet our climate obligations. "We’re trying to be smart and innovative with the resources that are becoming more and more available to us. Committing to deliver a fully environmentally-friendly policing plan for a big event, over four days with thousands in attendance to keep safe, requires the dedication and commitment of all Gardaí on-duty. It’s brilliant that so many are more than willing, and that’s a positive to build on so that as we look to delivering the same initiative at other nationwide events, it will be well received. Inspector MacDonald added, "We will be on hand to assist both to ensure that all those attending arrive to the Women’s Irish Open with ease, and that they have a safe and enjoyable time. We are asking all spectators travelling to Carton House to please avoid using GPS or SatNav and to follow the specially erected road signage. Most important of all, please slow down and drive safely.” | 