[PR] Ryder Cup

Victor

I take it that this will be a nice little earner for Mr. Mansfield (owner of both Weston Aerodrome and Palmerstown House).

http://www.buseireann.ie/site/news_centre/press_releases.asp?action=view&news_id=420

BUS ÉIREANN AN EARLY WINNER AT RYDER CUP

Bus Éireann has secured an exclusive €1.3m contract to plan and manage the transportation for the Ryder Cup, which is being held in Ireland for the first time this September.

The company will be responsible for the movement of approximately 40,000 spectators set to descend on the K Club in Straffan, Co Kildare each day of the event. More than 90 double deck buses and 245 coaches will operate for the duration of the event, from September 22nd and 24th.

The contract was awarded to Bus Éireann by Ryder Cup Travel Services Ltd on foot of a competitive tender process.

A spokeswoman for the company said:

“Bus Éireann welcomes the opportunity to be involved such a prestigious event. It is a major undertaking and Bus Éireann is one of the very few companies with the experience required to plan and manage transportation for an event of this scale.”

90 double deck buses will be laid on to ferry up to 30,000 spectators between two large park and ride sites, at Weston Aerodrome and Palmerstown House, near Johnstown and the K Club in Straffan.

A further 245 coaches will carry in the region of 5000 package tourists from hotels around the Dublin area.

In addition, there will be dedicated buses to collect the 2,000 media expected to cover the event, and on-site shuttles for their use.

Transportation will also be provided to facilitate the residents of the village of Straffan, part of which will be cordoned off for the event.

Luxury coaches will also transport players and their entourages, and other VIPs.

Bus Éireann intends to utilise coaches from its own fleet and hire in vehicles from Dublin Bus and as well as some private contractors.

Bus Éireann has extensive experience in the management of transport for major events.

In 2003, Bus Éireann successfully oversaw the transportation for the Special Olympics and in 2004, was responsible for the movement of up to 4,000 Gardai during the visit of President Bush to Ireland.

Issued by: Media and Public Relations, Bus Éireann

Chris_533976

Wonder if this'll be the same unmitigated disaster that the Cork Ploughing Championships were last year.

Sarsfield

Chris_533976 wrote:

Wonder if this'll be the same unmitigated disaster that the Cork Ploughing Championships were last year.

Why the negativity at such an early stage?

The biggest disaster in this country is the amount of people who do nothing but whinge about how bad everything is. Even before anything bad happens, they seem to get off on predicting disaster.

parsi

Chris_533976 wrote:

Wonder if this'll be the same unmitigated disaster that the Cork Ploughing Championships were last year.

Day 1 was dodgy but it was quite efficient after that.

Victor

http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie/news_centre/general_news.asp?action=view&news_id=149

Train & Shuttle Bus to/from Ryder Cup Golf Tournament by Commercial Dept

Train & Shuttle Bus to/from Ryder Cup Golf Tournament -
19th to 24th September 2006

Fast, easy and convenient - Dublin City Centre to the K Club in just 45 minutes! Relax & enjoy your day by leaving your car at home and availing of public transport for only €20.00 Return (includes shuttle bus service between Leixlip and the K Club).

Trains depart Connolly Station, Amiens Street, Dublin from 05.45 hrs and at approximately 30 minute intervals thereafter. Pre-book a specific outbound train and return on any train that evening. Click here to book.

D'Peoples Voice

Victor wrote:

http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie/news_centre/general_news.asp?action=view&news_id=149

In most countries, they would be running shuttle buses from Hazelhatch station or Sallins Station.
Having said that, if Iarnrod Eireann try to introduce more Arrows on that stretch of line over the weekend of the Ryder Cup, can you you imagine how quick the drivers would be to go on strike again for another EUR 10,000!

John R

D'Peoples Voice wrote:

In most countries, they would be running shuttle buses from Hazelhatch station or Sallins Station.
Having said that, if Iarnrod Eireann try to introduce more Arrows on that stretch of line over the weekend of the Ryder Cup, can you you imagine how quick the drivers would be to go on strike again for another EUR 10,000!

What difference does it really make which station they use? None are particularly close.

Out of all the choices I would have said Maynooth would be the best located station for the K Club but obviously IE prefer to use Leixlip.

It wouldn't be ideal to have a trains stationary on the main Dub-Cork line for lengthy periods and also they would need to go to Newbridge or Kildare to reverse.

Victor

http://www.garda.ie/angarda/rydercup.html

Garda Event Management Plan Ryder Cup 2006

Overview

The 2006 Ryder Cup to be held at The K Club in September is expected to attract up to 40,000 people each Match day and plans are in place to minimise the disruption to neighbouring villages and commuters.
The organisers, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Kildare County Council, the National Roads Authority, and The K Club have spent many months reviewing these arrangements in light of security measures and the significant road construction in the surrounding area.

This has particularly impacted on both the traffic and parking plans which have been modified to relieve the pressure on the village of Straffan and its surrounding area. The traffic plans during the 2006 Ryder Cup therefore reflect a partnership approach involving all the key agencies and address the requirements of the local/regional transport network and infrastructure, the village of Straffan and neighbouring villages as well as running the event safely and effectively.


Road Closures

An Garda Síochána, in association with Kildare County Council, have decided that there will be a 2km perimeter around the site where road closures in the immediate vicinity of the K Club will come into effect.These will be closed throughout the event from 18.00hrs on Sunday 17th September until 23.59 hrs on Sunday 24th September.

Whilst it is impossible to stage an international event of this size and status without inconvenience to some people, the organisers are anxious to ensure minimal disruption to the villagers of Straffan and neighbouring areas as a result.


Signage

Advance signage will be in place two weeks prior to the event to advise drivers and commuters to consider all routes.
Residents Passes

Special vehicle passes will be issued to all residents living within the designated road closure areas to allow 24 hour access to their homes and frontages.
Everyone living or staying within the designated area who are valid Ryder Cup ticket holders will be offered a free bus service to take them to the Bus Terminals adjacent to the K Club.

An Garda Síochána has appointed a Liaison Garda to handle Ryder Cup related enquiries for person living within the designated cordon area.


Parking Arrangements

After months of research, and detailed discussions with Kildare County Council, South Dublin County Council and the National Roads Authority, a 'Park and Ride' scheme was chosen as the best solution.

The Weston Aerodrome was chosen as the best option to service traffic from the North of the country for its excellent transport links via motorway and its vicinity to The K Club. This will be known as the North Park and Ride.

The PGA National/Palmerstown House site at Johnstown was chosen as the best option to service traffic from the South and West of the country for its excellent links to the Naas Road (N7) and its vicinity to The K Club. This will be known as the South Park and Ride.

All spectators are encouraged to refer to the detailed travel information which will accompany tickets.

The 'Park and Ride' scheme will reduce the traffic congestion around the K Club and also the issue of illegal parking in the area. A tow away system will be in place to remove illegally parked vehicles, of which a charge will be made for recovery.

All Taxis and Private Coaches must use the Park and Ride facilities as they will not be allowed access to The K Club.


Pedestrian Access

The absence of car parking close to the K Club means that pedestrian access for spectators WILL NOT be permitted. All Spectators must use the 'Park and Ride' system.

A significant number of visitors are expected to travel to the event via specific packages on bus or train, thereby further reducing congestion on the motorway network and surrounding local roads.


Ticketing

Ticketing checks for entry to The Ryder Cup will be administered at both 'Park and Ride' points by security staff, before spectators are then bussed to and from The K Club on a fleet of coaches.
Ticket holders must carry proof of identity and plans are in place to rigidly check all spectator tickets at the North and South Park and Rides, and the North and South Bus Terminals.They are also being encouraged to arrive early and allow plenty of time to travel.

All tickets are for nominated ticket holders with no ticket sales on the gate and no pass-outs on the day. When spectators leave The K Club they must return to their respective Park and Ride Centre.


Rail Travellers

Transport arrangements are now in place for ticket holders intending to travel by train from Dublin to The K Club.

Trains will be departing regularly from Connolly Station in Central Dublin to Louisa Bridge, Leixlip where passengers with Ryder Cup tickets will then transfer to shuttle buses directly to the North Bus Terminal at The K Club where they will be subject to security and ticketing checks.

Rail tickets can only be booked in advance by visiting www.irishrail.ie


Spectator Restrictions

Ryder Cup Ltd has taken account of the experience from other organisations, which have held international sporting events that attract large number of visitors. Accordingly, no alcohol can be taken on to site, and no mobile phones or cameras can be used on the course to avoid distraction to the players. Ticket holders not complying to the admission regulations or conducting themselves in an inappropriate manner, will run the risk of being refused entry or being expelled from the course.
Policing & Security

An Garda Síochána is fully prepared for a successful Ryder Cup.
An Garda Síochána have spent the last year planning for the event and have worked closely with Ryder Cup Ltd and statutory agencies to ensure the safety of those travelling to the event and those using the surrounding roads.

Although An Garda Síochána will maintain a low-key policing presence at the event, the force is not expecting any policing problems.

An Garda Síochána is also keen to stress to locals that policing in other parts of the county will not be affected by the staffing of the event.

Gardai on duty at The K Club will be supported by uniformed marshals and security staff. Gardai will patrol the site and staff a public assistance point for visitors in the tented village.

The safety of all road users within the county and those attending the event is the primary concern of An Garda Síochána and the policing plan is strictly to ensure this prestigious golfing tournament passes off without incident.

The traffic plans during the 2006 Ryder Cup have been developed with An Garda Síochána, Ryder Cup Ltd,The K Club, Kildare County Council, South Dublin County Council and the National Roads Authority.

Leaflets have been issued as part of the overall communications plan to ensure that residents within the affected area, together with commuters, local businesses, visitors and other residents around the area have advance warning of the traffic plans and road closure programme.


USEFUL LINKS

www.europeantour.com
www.rydercup.com
www.irishrail.ie
www.kildare.ie

Victor

http://www.dublinbus.ie/news_centre/latest_news.asp?action=view&news_id=604

The Ryder Cup Golf Tournament will be held in The K Club in Straffan, County Kildare from September

Ryder Cup 2006

The Ryder Cup Golf Tournament will be held in The K Club in Straffan, County Kildare from September 22nd- 24th 2006.

Transportation to the K Club will be provided from 19th -24th September.

Due to security arrangements for the event, spectators are advised that the area surrounding the K Club will be cordoned off and vehicular and pedestrian access will not be permitted to members of the public, with the exception of Straffan residents.

Intending spectators are also advised that in order to comply with security restrictions, the Bus Éireann Dublin/Edenderry service, (No 120) which normally serves Straffan Village will not enter Straffan during this time and will instead go via Barberstown Cross.

The travel options to the Ryder Cup consist of the following:

1. A rail/bus service between Connolly Station, Dublin and the K Club, provided by Iarnród Éireann.
Go to www.irishrail.ie for details. For more information, see below.

2. The provision of park and ride facilities in two locations - Palmerstown House in Johnstown and Westin Aerodrome, Lucan, with a continuous shuttle bus service in operation between the park and rides and the K Club.

Buses will operate from the Park and Ride sites on a continuous basis throughout the day from 06.30am. Journey times between the park and ride sites and the K Club will be approximately 25-30 minutes.


Rail/Bus Option

Special inclusive return rail & shuttle bus tickets between Connolly Station and the K Club are available. Passengers travel by train between Connolly Station and Leixlip (Louisa Bridge) with onwards bus transfers provided to the K Club.

These special tickets will only be valid on the date shown and on the customers selected train service in the outbound direction from Connolly Station.

Passengers are advised only customers in possession of the special Iarnrod Eireann rail/shuttle bus ticket and the official Ryder Cup Admission ticket will be allowed board the special shuttle buses operating between Leixlip (Louisa Bridge) Station and the K Club.

Special rail & shuttle bus tickets are valid on any shuttle bus and connecting train service for the return journey between the K Club and Dublin City Centre via Leixlip.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.irishrail.ie

Tickets will be posted to the person and address shown on the credit card used to make the transaction.


Terms and Conditions

1. These fares are only available on www.irishrail.ie
2. These tickets are not a seat reservation.
3. These tickets are non refundable.
4. These tickets are only valid on the services they are sold for. Customers may join the designated service at any station it serves.


Buses will operate from the Park and Ride sites on a continuous basis throughout the day from 06.30am. Journey times between the park and ride sites and the K Club will be approximately 25-30 minutes.

Victor

http://www.buseireann.ie/site/news_centre/timetable_changes.asp?action=view&news_id=496

Ryder Cup - Transport to Straffan/Barberstown Cross - Published - 13th September 2006

Due to the special arrangements in place for the staging of the Ryder Cup, special transport services will be in place between Straffan Village and Barberstown Cross.

A shuttle service will be provided between Straffan Village and the bus stops on the Celbridge Road at Barberstown Cross.

The first shuttle bus for Celbridge and Dublin will depart Straffan Village at 07.25 hours, all subsequent shuttle buses will depart 10 minutes ahead of normal scheduled times.

The first shuttle bus for Clane/Prosperous/Coill Dubh / Allenwood / Derrinturn / Edenderry and Tullamore will depart Straffan Village at 08.00 hours, all subsequent shuttle buses will depart 10 minutes ahead of normal scheduled times.

Any inconvenience is regretted and your co-operations is much appreciated.

Davidth88

A couple of points here...

The park and ride system is a good idea , however I am a bit surprised at the cost of the rail link , 20 euro return seems a bit steep to me ....consider what the normal return to Maynooth is.

I would think that Sallins/Hazelhatch may be closer , but from what I have read on this and other boards the lines there are pretty well full.

As far as the p/rde facility at Weston and Palmerstown , does anyone see the link , they are both owned by a cerain Mr Mansfield . My understanding from the local papers is that he offered these facilities , I have no idea if he is getting paid for them , even if he is ,bully for him ,at least he has the foresight to offer these.

I would be interested to see what the traffic through Celbridge during this time will be , that bridge is nasty enough anyway , whats the chances there will be Garda on point duty giving priority to the Clane Rd and backing the traffic up through the village.

I have no idea how many spectators that the K-Club gets for the European Open , but there never seems to be any traffic issues during that time , so I wonder if the p/ride system is more for security because of the paranoid
guests from across the water.

It's a great thing for Ireland to have this event , lets hope it goes well and Europe wins !

Victor

http://www.iarnrodeireann.ie/news_centre/general_news.asp?action=view&news_id=179

Travelling to the Ryder Cup ........ let us do the driving! by Commercial Department

Important Information for Customers Pre-booked on Irish Rail Package for the Ryder Cup

Customers have been issued with a Special Rail/Shuttle Bus Ticket. These tickets are only valid on the designated train departing from Connolly Station, Amiens Street, Dublin 1 on the date selected.

So as to avoid delays at Connolly Station on the morning of travel, we would encourage our customers who have pre-booked tickets for the train and shuttle bus services but have not yet collected them, to do so in advance of the day of travel.

Tickets may be collected in advance at either the Ticket Distribution Machines or Ticket Offices at the following Iarnród Éireann locations in Dublin:

* Connolly Station, Amiens Street, Dublin 1
* Heuston Station, Dublin 8.
* Travel Centre, 35 Lower Abbey Street, Dublin 1 (between the hours of 09.00 and 17.00 hrs weekdays only)
For a full list of other Iarnród Éireann stations with facilities to collect prebooked tickets please check here.

If you are unable to collect tickets in advance, please ensure that you arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the departure of your train.

Customers need to present the Special Rail/Bus Ticket along with Ryder Cup Admission Ticket before they will be allowed board the Shuttle Bus at Leixlip (Louisa Bridge) Railway Station.

On the return journey from the K Club rail customers may board any of the Shuttle Buses operating from the North Coach Park. All of these buses will serve Leixlip (Louisa Bridge) Railway Station. The last shuttle bus will depart from the K Club at 21.00 hours (9pm). Customers will be required to present their Special Rail/Shuttle Bus Ticket for inspection on the return journey.

Click here for details of train times from Leixlip (Louisa Bridge) to Connolly Station, Amiens Street, Dublin 1.

Victor

http://www.garda.ie/angarda/rydercup.html

Garda Event Management Plan Ryder Cup 2006
Overview

The 2006 Ryder Cup to be held at The K Club from September 19th to 24th inclusive, is expected to attract up to 40,000 people each Match day and plans are in place to minimise the disruption to neighbouring villages and commuters.

The organisers, in conjunction with An Garda Síochána, Kildare County Council, South Dublin County Council, the National Roads Authority, and The K Club have spent many months reviewing these arrangements in light of security measures and the significant road construction in the surrounding area.

This has particularly impacted on both the traffic and parking plans which have been modified to relieve the pressure on the village of Straffan and its surrounding area. The traffic plans during the 2006 Ryder Cup therefore reflect a partnership approach involving all the key agencies and address the requirements of the local/regional transport network and infrastructure, the village of Straffan and neighbouring villages as well as running the event safely and effectively.


Road Closures

An Garda Síochána, in association with Kildare County Council, have decided that there will be a 2km perimeter around the site where road closures in the immediate vicinity of the K Club will come into effect.These will be closed throughout the event from 18.00hrs on Sunday 17th September until 23.59 hrs on Sunday 24th September.

Whilst it is impossible to stage an international event of this size and status without inconvenience to some people, the organisers are anxious to ensure minimal disruption to the villagers of Straffan and neighbouring areas as a result.

The following roads will remain closed as part of the event management plan.

The road from Barberstown to Straffan Village. [ 1.35km ]
The road from Ardrass Church to Straffan Village. [ 2.5km ]
The road from Bawnogues to Straffan Village. [ 1.25km ]
The road from Bawnogues (at R403) to Ovidstown (boundary of the K Club Walls). [ .85km ]
The road from Longtown to Ovidstown. [ 300 metres ]
The road from Longtown Cross to Straffan Village. [ 2.6km ]
The road from Castledillon (Cul De Sac) to Ballyhays (point on the Kill to Straffan Rd). [ 1.7 km ]
The road from Tipperstown (Ardclough Village) to Clownings (point on the Kill to Straffan Rd). [ 2.4km ]
The road from Ponsonby Bridge (on Grand Canal) to Straffan Village [ 3.2km ]
The road from Turnings (through Turnings Upper and past Old Morell Bridge) to Whitechurch Cross (point on the Kill to Straffan Rd). [ 1.8km ]
The road from Turnings (through Turnings Lower, past the entrance to the South Course) to Ladycastle Lower (point on the Kill to Straffan Rd). [ 2.25km ]


Signage

A comprehensive signage plan has been developed by An Garda Síochána, Ryder Cup, National Roads Authority, Kildare County Council, South Dublin County Council and AA Ireland. Signs will be in place two weeks prior to the event to advise drivers and commuters of the best routes to the K Club and to both park and ride facilities.

The National Routes and all key interchanges / junctions will have Signs showing directional / event information. Other junctions will be supported by AA approved signage. Ryder Cup Event Signage will be used on approaches to Park and Ride site and all internal avenues / areas of the Park and Ride site.


Residents Passes/Commercial Deliveries

Special vehicle passes will be issued to all residents living within the designated road closure areas to allow 24 hour access to their homes and frontages.

All commercial deliverìes and accredited vehicles seeking access will be allowed subject to proper accreditation.

Everyone living or staying within the designated area who are valid Ryder Cup ticket holders will be offered a free bus service to take them to the Bus Terminals adjacent to the K Club.

An Garda Síochána has appointed a Liaison Garda to handle Ryder Cup related enquiries for persons living within the designated cordon area.


Park and Ride Centres

After months of research, and detailed discussions with Kildare County Council, South Dublin County Council and the National Roads Authority, a 'Park and Ride' scheme was chosen as the best solution.

Traffic from the North of the country will use Weston Aerodrome. This will be known as the North Park and Ride.

Traffic from the South and West of the country will use the PGA National/Palmerstown House site at Johnstown. This will be known as the South Park and Ride.

All spectators are encouraged to refer to the detailed travel information which will accompany tickets.

The 'Park and Ride' scheme will reduce the traffic congestion around the K Club and also the issue of illegal parking in the area. A tow away system will be in place to remove illegally parked vehicles, of which a charge will be made for recovery.

Access for Small Public Service vehicles and private coaches will be restricted to both park and ride facilities where people will continue to the K Club by bus. Persons who have not made arrangements for collection can use a dedicated phone line at the park and ride to contact a taxi.

Park and Ride Centres

Palmerstown, Johnstown, Naas, Co Kildare

Location: Palmerstown House is located approx. 12km south of The K Club on the main Dublin to Naas Road (N7).
Vehicles: Palmerstown Park and Ride is intended to cater for traffic travelling from the South (N8, M9, N9, M7, N7), the South East (N11, N81 via M50 and N7) and South / South East Dublin directions.

Times The park and ride facility will operate daily from the 19th – 24th September 2006 from the hours of 05:00 to 21:00.

Numbers: It is estimated that approx. 15,000 persons will use this facility daily.

Access: Access to the Park and Ride facility consists of an avenue over 750 metres long which will require to be manned by traffic stewards provided by the promoter.

Shuttle Buses: All persons will leave the Park and Ride Site via dedicated Dublin Bus Shuttles. No other form of transfer will be permitted. All shuttle buses will be clearly identified via official Ryder Cup Vehicle Accreditations.

Dublin Bus shuttles will number approx 45 buses and will leave Palmerstown Park and Ride when full to The South Bus Terminal, Straffan. Return shuttle time will be approx 45 minutes return.

Weston Aerodrome, Lucan, Co Dublin.

Location: Weston Aerodrome is located approx. 15km north of The K Club on the main Leixlip to Celbridge Road (R403) and it borders the Dublin to Galway motorway (M4). The entrance to this facility will be the main entrance to the aerodrome off the Leixlip to Celbridge Road.
Vehicles: Weston park and ride is intended to cater for traffic travelling from the North, Dublin or the M50.

Times The park and ride facility will operate daily from the 19th – 24th September 2006 from the hours of 05:00 to 21:00.

Numbers: It is estimated that approx. 20,000 persons will use this facility daily.

Access: All vehicles will enter the facility via the five (5) entry gates and will be directed by Gardai / Parking Attendants to the parking areas.

Shuttle Buses: All persons will leave the Park and Ride Site via dedicated Dublin Bus Shuttles. No other form of transfer will be permitted. All shuttle buses will be clearly identified via official Ryder Cup Vehicle Accreditations.

Dublin Bus shuttles will number approx 60 buses and will leave Weston Aerodrome Park and Ride when full to The North Bus Terminal, Straffan. Return shuttle time will be approx 50 minutes return.

Pedestrian Access

The absence of car parking close to the K Club means that pedestrian access for spectators WILL NOT be permitted. All Spectators must use the 'Park and Ride' system.

A significant number of visitors are expected to travel to the event via specific packages on bus or train, thereby further reducing congestion on the motorway network and surrounding local roads.


Ticketing

Ticketing checks for entry to The Ryder Cup will be administered at both 'Park and Ride' points by security staff. Spectators will be brought to and from The K Club by coach.

Ticket holders must carry proof of identity and plans are in place to rigidly check all spectator tickets at the North and South Park and Rides, and the North and South Bus Terminals.They are also being encouraged to arrive early and allow plenty of time to travel.

All tickets are for nominated ticket holders with no ticket sales on the gate and no pass-outs on the day. When spectators leave The K Club they must return to their respective Park and Ride Centre.


Rail Travellers

Transport arrangements are now in place for ticket holders intending to travel by train from Dublin to The K Club.

Trains will be departing regularly from Connolly Station in Central Dublin to Louisa Bridge, Leixlip where passengers with Ryder Cup tickets will then transfer to shuttle buses directly to the North Bus Terminal at The K Club where they will be subject to security and ticketing checks.

Rail tickets can only be booked in advance by visiting www.irishrail.ie


Spectator Restrictions

Please read "The 2006 Ryder Cup Spectator Guide" that issued with your ticket.

Ryder Cup Ltd has taken account of the experience from other organisations, which have held international sporting events that attract large number of visitors. Accordingly, no alcohol can be taken on to site, and no mobile phones or cameras can be used on the course to avoid distraction to the players. Ticket holders not complying to the admission regulations or conducting themselves in an inappropriate manner, will run the risk of being refused entry or being expelled from the course.


Policing & Security

An Garda Síochána is fully prepared for a successful Ryder Cup.
An Garda Síochána have spent the last year planning for the event and have worked closely with Ryder Cup Ltd and statutory agencies to ensure the safety of those travelling to the event and those using the surrounding roads.

Although An Garda Síochána will maintain a low-key policing presence at the event, the force is not expecting any policing problems.

An Garda Síochána is also keen to stress to locals that policing in other parts of the county will not be affected by the staffing of the event.

Gardai on duty at The K Club will be supported by uniformed marshals and security staff. Gardai will patrol the site and staff a public assistance point for visitors in the tented village.

The safety of all road users within the county and those attending the event is the primary concern of An Garda Síochána and the policing plan is strictly to ensure this prestigious golfing tournament passes off without incident.

The traffic plans during the 2006 Ryder Cup have been developed with An Garda Síochána, Ryder Cup Ltd,The K Club, Kildare County Council, South Dublin County Council and the National Roads Authority.

Leaflets have been issued as part of the overall communications plan to ensure that residents within the affected area, together with commuters, local businesses, visitors and other residents around the area have advance warning of the traffic plans and road closure programme.

USEFUL LINKS

www.europeantour.com
www.rydercup.com
www.irishrail.ie
www.kildare.ie
www.rcts.co.uk (Travel)

Local map
Regional map
Sign 1
Sign 2

Victor

http://www.rte.ie/sport/2006/0920/rydercup.html

High winds shut down K Club
Wednesday, 20 September 2006 8:38

The Ryder Cup has been hit by high winds

The K Club was closed to spectators and all non-essential staff this morning as winds of more than 40mph swept through the area.

The drama came as the tail end of 'Hurricane Gordon` made its way to Ireland.

A statement from Europe Ryder Cup LLP, who organise the event, read: 'Severe winds gusting to more than 40mph have necessitated that we close the K Club to spectators and all non-essential staff.


'The decision has been taken in the interests of spectator safety. There are specific units that represent a danger to safety and therefore entry was suspended at 6.30am.

'The situation is being reviewed at 9am. All spectators should remain at home if they have not already left for the course or in their hotels and monitor the news bulletins on TV and radio.'

The Americans were due to start their second practice rounds at 7.30am followed by Europe at 8am but were told this was being delayed because of the conditions.

Shuttle buses to and from park and ride facilities for the Ryder Cup have also been suspended.

Bus Eireann says that buses are not leaving the park-and-ride sites at the Weston Aerodrome in Lucan or the Palmerstown House in Naas.

Iarnrod Eireann says that people who have Ryder Cup rail tickets will not be allowed to board at Connolly Station in Dublin. All tickets will be valid for later journeys.

Victor

I suspect Jim ain't so happy.

http://home.eircom.net/content/irelandcom/breaking/8957210?view=Eircomnet

Weston park-and-ride facility to close
From:ireland.com
Saturday, 23rd September, 2006

Spectators attending tomorrow's final day of the Ryder Cup at the K Club are urged not to use the Park and Ride facility at Weston Aerodrome, Lucan.

Heavy rain has made the underfoot surface at Weston unsafe and members of the public wishing to use the facility tomorrow will be facilitated at Punchestown racecourse instead.

"We would be extremely grateful to all members of the public if they could co-operate with this request to use the facilities at Punchestown Racecourse," a Ryder Cup spokesman said.

"The continuing heavy rain has reduced the parking opportunities at Weston Aerodrome and a much safer and comfortable option exists at Punchestown Racecourse with its hardcore walkways.

"Any private coach that arrives at Weston Aerodrome will be redirected to Punchestown Racecourse."

The South Park and Ride at Palmerstown House, Johnstown, remains shut and travelling supporters must continue to use Punchestown Racecourse.

Aquavid

You may have read (or even wondered about yourself) some of the stories concerning the 120 buses that Dublin Bus have provided for the Ryder Cup P&R operation. Critics have complained that the company obviously does not need the extra buses it keeps asking for if it can service such an event, and some people have wondered if the normal city services were down 120 vehicles during the week as a result.

As a person with a detailed knowledge of the company's fleet disposition, and no axe to grind either way, I thought I'd clarify here:

Firstly, where do the 120 buses come from:

Basically the majority of these (100) come from this year's delivery of buses for fleet replacement. This is an order for 100 new doubledecks which have been delivered and put into service over the last 6 months, replacing older double and single-decks on a one for one basis.

The buses being replaced were stored at Broadstone over the last few months, both to provide a reserve fleet for the Ryder Cup, and to ensure that if the fleet expansion plans were approved by government, the extra services would be capable of starting immediatly, without having to wait for the approved extra buses to actually be delivered.

For the week of the Ryder Cup, these old buses have gone back into service from their former garages, releasing all of the new buses for the Ryder Cup Shuttle.

The other 20 buses, came from temporary rescheduling of planned heavy maintainence and the refurbishment programme - normally each garage would have between 2 and 5 buses off the road going through a 3-year heavy body refurb, interior retrim and repaint cycle, and this has been suspended for Ryder week.

As regards drivers, leave cancelled, drivers schedules altered so that rest days fell in such a way as to allow them to work maximum overtime legally during this period - much as the company would do for a busy Christmas etc. It would not be possible to keep up this level of driver rostering for more than a few days without running into legal issues, and seriously over-stressing drivers.

Now the big question that you could ask from all of this is: why can't the company use the stored buses for the fleet expansion that they want? If they can do it for the Ryder Cup, why not for the public?

The answer to that is that the government will not let them. For each new vehicle that arrives, a bus has to be removed from service, and is not allowed to be used - unless of course, it is for some big public event/occasion, that the government wishes to go smoothly . . . !!!

The real question to ask is: why does the government allow a temporary expansion of the DB fleet by 100 for the Ryder Cup, and not for general public service?

And the answer to that is: "Sssssh! Don't be asking questions like that."

Dublin Bus unfortunately are a bit of a pawn in all of this.

The one question you could legitimately ask the company is why the public on normal service had to make do with the old, non-accessible buses, while the Ryder Cup got all the new ones.

While on the topic of fleet expansion, there is one other fact that is not generally known, or at least has not made it into the mainstream media.

The 100 extra buses that Dublin Bus want were actually ordered long ago in anticipation of government approval, are currently on the production line in Scotland, and will commence delivery within the next couple of weeks. This is basically another identical order for 100 doubledecks following on from the replacement ones, so in total 200 new 'deckers will have been delivered by year end.

If approval for the expansion is not granted, these new buses will either go into store, or more likely replace the 100 oldest buses in the fleet, thus putting the company ahead of itself in its fleet replacement programme.

And of course, if approval is given at some stage, Mr. Cullen can click his fingers, and the extra buses will magically appear in a puff of smoke, gee, look how quickly he can get things done!

Aquavid

Victor

My, my, how cynical.

holstein

Amazing to read so much begrudgery before the event took place. As someone who used Weston Park and Ride Thursday and Saturday, and Punchestown Sunday, I must say the service was excellent. Staff were friendly, queues moved well considering the crowds and the weather.

Weston got very wet Saturday and the metal track was sinking to one side, so there was no option only to close it.

Punchestown had marvellous facilities, although it was a bit of a longer spin to get there. People walked through the building for ID check. The bus was on tarmac 100% of the time. Every car was never more than a few feet from gravel. The car parks had flood lights. Music was playing on speakers as you walked through.

For a last minute selection, I'd say Punchestown was a mighty success.

Mr Mansfield had two venues at the start of the event, but none by the last day. You need to put a bit of PLANNING into getting things right Jim!

Victor

Ironicly, he actually did have planning permission in time for thsi one.