White cracks the whip for improved parking and access measures at Laytown Races

Meath County Council is to work with organisers of the Laytown Races to enhance public awareness around parking, traffic management and accessibility ahead of this year's event.

The commitment came following a motion from Sinn Fein Cllr Maria White at a meeting of the Laytown-Bettystown Municipal District, calling for an awareness-raising campaign to help ensure the safe movement of residents, racegoers and emergency services.

In response, the council said it would liaise with race organisers to strengthen their public information campaign, with particular emphasis on parking arrangements, traffic management and accessibility.

Speaking after the meeting, Cllr White said the motion was intended to support one of East Meath's best-known annual events while addressing issues that have arisen in previous years.

“The Laytown Races are a fantastic annual community event that takes place every September and requires significant traffic and parking coordination,” she said.

“My intention was to ensure Meath County Council proactively supports the event from a road safety and accessibility perspective, helping to ensure its continued success.”

Cllr White said the council already carries out awareness campaigns around traffic management for other major events across the county and believes the Laytown Races should receive similar support.

She also acknowledged the role played by local schools, whose boards of management make parking facilities available to help accommodate the large numbers attending the races each year.

While describing the races as a hugely successful event enjoyed by thousands, Cllr White said a number of accessibility and traffic concerns had been raised following previous race meetings.

“Last year, issues of accessibility were brought to my attention. Unfortunately, some people parked on narrow footpaths, meaning wheelchair users, including young children, had to use the road to access the races,” she said.

She added that emergency services had experienced delays in previous years due to vehicles parked on verges and difficulties accessing nearby residential estates, while some residents had also experienced blocked driveways.

Cllr White said a targeted public awareness campaign, supported by additional signage and Garda enforcement where necessary, could help reduce these issues while protecting emergency access routes and minimising disruption for local residents.

She also noted that parking remains an ongoing challenge in the wider Laytown-Bettystown area, affecting commuters, businesses and residents throughout the year, and said she would continue working with the council on longer-term solutions.

Following the passing of the motion, Cllr White said she hoped Meath County Council would work closely with organisers before, during and after this year's races.

“I wish everyone involved in organising the Laytown Races, and the wider community, every success for this year's event,” she added.

- Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme