- Motorists are asked to use the Garda Interactive Map and avoid Sat Nav or GPS -
An Garda Síochána has issued traffic and travel advice as well as importance guidance on staying safe at this year’s Electric Picnic which will get under way from today and conclude on Monday 19th of August, 2024.
Across the next two days, some 75,000 festival-goers will make their way to Stradbally, Co. Laois for the festival.
Gardaí will be out on all routes in and around the site to ensure that all those attending can arrive safely, while non-event traffic and local residents can all travel with ease by keeping disruptions to a minimum. Those travelling to Rosslare Port are advised to avoid Stradbally where possible and use an alternative route.
Gardaí will be doing their utmost to keep travel disruption and diversions to an absolute minimum.
Please allow additional time for your journey in this direction between today, Thursday, 15th August 2024 and Monday, 19th of August 2024.
Public transport
Festival-goers are strongly encouraged to make their way to the site at Stradbally by public transport where possible.
Portlaoise is the closest train station to Stradbally. There will be a paid shuttle bus service operating from Portlaoise Train Station directly to the site’s only Pick-up Drop-off area located just off the N80 on the Portlaoise side of Stradbally.
Motorists
Gardaí are asking that all motorists avoid using Sat Nav or GPS to get to the site, and instead are advising that they use its specially developed interactive map.
The directions for all those travelling to Electric Picnic from Dublin, Cork, Limerick, the west of Ireland and the south-east are all clearest from this map which is available here.
Whether you’re heading down after work or heading off on a road trip with friends:
- Please take your time and slow down while driving
- Make sure you and those with you are belted up
- Keep your eyes on the road so leave the music streaming app to someone else for the journey or have a set playlist before heading off
- Leave the phone away to avoid it distracting you while driving (the notifications can wait) and this includes while in traffic
- On Sunday evening or Monday, stay alert and take a break if becoming tired while driving home.
Drivers must be aware of the danger of driving will under the influence of an intoxicant whether alcohol and/or drugs. It greatly affects the ability to drive safely, including the morning after and is therefore critically important to be safe to drive home from the festival site after the event.
Garda checkpoints will be in place over the course of the weekend to detect those driving while under the influence.
Should a driver fail a roadside test, they will be arrested. A blood sample will be taken and should that sample show the presence of a substance or indicates a blood/alcohol level above the legal limit to drive, the person potentially faces a disqualification and fine.
Carparks
Car parks will open for early entry ticket holders from 4pm today Thursday, 15th of August 2024.
General ticket holders can access carparks from 9am tomorrow morning, Friday 16th of August. The carparks will be remain open until 4pm on Monday 19th of August 2024.
Tow-away vehicles will be in operation for the duration of the festival to remove any illegally parked vehicle and those causing obstruction.
There will be no collection point at any carpark over the duration of the weekend.
All buses attending the event, taxis and motorists dropping off festival-goers must use the Pick-up Drop-off area located just off the N80 on the Portlaoise side of Stradbally.
General safety guidance for the weekend
The Gardaí on-duty are there to help you. Don’t be worried about asking for help in any situation, whether it’s asking for directions or to report something or someone you’re worried about.
• Ideally only bring what you really need and can afford to lose
• Use an on-site locker to safely store any valuables and do not leave in your tent
• Ensure that your phone’s Apple Pay, Google Pay, and Revolut are all strictly password protected so if the phone is found, there can be no access to your money
• Consider putting a close contact or friend’s number as the lock screen on your phone so if lost and found it can be more easily returned to you
• Should you find someone else’s phone please hand it in to us at the onsite Garda tent
• Avoid keeping all bank cards together
• There’s safety in groups and stick close with those you know and trust
• Do not challenge a person or group if you witness an incident or public disorder – immediately report it to the nearest Garda or security staff
• If you notice any suspicious activity please alert the nearest Garda or member of security. You can also come visit us in the Garda Tent on-site.
What to do if you are the victim of a crime or you see a crime happening?
If you become a victim of crime or if you see a crime happening at any time over the weekend – report it to us as soon as possible.
It is helpful to remember as much as possible including the person’s appearance, their clothing and the identifiable pieces about the location where you experienced the incident i.e. toilets, fire towers, unusual tents/structures and any nearby signage.
Speaking in advance of the festival, Chief Superintendent Tony Lonergan said,
"An Garda Síochána has been putting in a huge amount of work behind the scenes with the festival organiser and our colleagues in the Health Service Executive and the Civil Defence to co-ordinate the festival.
"It takes enormous effort to prepare for this event, as well as really hard work from Gardaí working across the weekend to keep everyone safe and well.
"We want everyone to have a safe and enjoyable weekend, and to look after themselves and one another. For a festival of this size, we need everyone’s support to make sure it goes off successfully. We ask every one attending to be patient and work with us.
"We’re here to help so no one attending Electric Picnic should hesitate to call on us for help or support or stop us to say hello.”
