Bank holiday weekend traffic to be exceptionally heavy due to strike

AA Roadwatch is expecting this bank holiday weekend to be a busy one for Irish motorists, with industrial action by Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann workers expected to go ahead on Friday and Saturday.

“Many commuters will find themselves with little other options than to take their car to work on Friday or to get about on Saturday,” according to Arwen Foley of AA Roadwatch. The strike looks likely to go ahead from midnight despite exploratory talks at the LRC this evening.

Friday in particular looks likely to see traffic disruption, with the worst delays into Dublin likely on the Swords Road, N3 Navan Road, N4 Lucan Rd and N7 Naas Road. 

As with the rail strike last August, AA Roadwatch are expecting more people to cycle to work on Friday or to travel by foot. They are warning all cyclists to take extra care and in turn for motorists to be more mindful of those taking two-wheel transportation.

Motorists also have a role to play in road safety during the strike. “With heavy traffic, you often see irresponsible driving as frustrated motorists try to rush through congested traffic,” the AA spokesperson said. “Unfortunately, this often leads to traffic collisions.'

Bus services run by private companies will operate as normal so there are alternative ways to commute for some people during the strike. These services are likely to be busier than normal so booking in advance and arriving at the bus stop early is advised.