Slane Garda operation swings into action
Up to 750 gardai will be on duty in Slane this weekend as over 80,000 concert goers descend on the village for the Eminem concert.
A huge security operation has swung into action to avoid violence at the sold out gig.
Alcohol will be heavily restricted on all private and public buses travelling to the concert. Both MCD Productions and Superintendent Michael Devine have said that they have been in contact with bus companies operating transport to and from the concert venue and have asked them to strictly prohibit the consumption of alcohol on their buses.
As well as 750 gardai, over 1,000 additional security personnel and stewards will be in place in Slane on Saturday.
“I am asking patrons to be respectful of local residents and their property and not to consume excessive amounts of alcohol, in particular for their own safety,” said Supt Devine.
There will be Garda Canine Units present at every entrance to ensure that no illegal substances are brought into the venue.
Traffic diversions will be put in place commencing at 8am on Saturday and running until 2am on Sunday morning.
Cars dropping off or picking up patrons will use the designated car park and all pick up vehicles must be in place before 10pm.
Event traffic on the Navan to Slane Road will be segregated at Wicker’s Cross. VIP and disabled patrons’ traffic will be diverted via the Kells road to car park one and event car traffic approaching from Kells will be directed via Kilberry.
Motorists who are not attending the event and need to travel between Navan and Drogheda should travel via Kentstown and Duleek.
Any motorists coming from Navan will be diverted at Wicker’s Cross.
People travelling to the event are strongly advised to use public transport where possible. Car parking will only be available on the Drogheda, Collon and Kells roads. There will be no car parks available on the Navan Road or the N2 south of Slane. Parking will not be permitted on roadsides and any cars causing an obstruction will be towed away.
Gates open at 1pm and the first act will be on stage at 2pm. Support acts include Plan B, Earlwolf, Yelawolf, Slaugherhouse and Chance the Rapper. There will be no tickets on sale on the day of the event and anybody who travels to the venue without a ticket will not be allowed near the concert.