A MAJOR alert has been issued for Irish motorists as a popular road is set to close down for nearly two weeks.
And the details of local diversions are revealed so drivers can plan their journeys.
Mayo County Council announced that the busy R310 Pontoon to Knockmore Road will be temporarily closed at the former Healy’s Hotel for resurfacing works.
The closure will start from Monday, June 30, to Friday, July 11, from 9:30am until 5pm.
During the closure, traffic management with local diversions will be implemented.
All-Stop Traffic Management will be in operation; however, they warned drivers that there may be potential long delays to be expected.
Drivers are asked to divert via R315 to Lahardaun – Crossmolina to Ballina and R318 to Foxford and Castlebar.
They revealed that the local roads are not suitable for goods vehicles and emergency vehicles will be accommodated during the road closure.
The council also issued an alert that road works are currently taking place on R320/N5 Junctions until further notice.
Temporary traffic management will be in operation.
Drivers may expect some delays, and they are asked to allow extra time for their journey and use alternative routes.
Meanwhile, Irish motorists are being warned they could face a €2,500 fine for not towing their trailers properly.
Hundreds of holidaymakers will be hitting the road with their caravans this summer.
And the Road Safety Authority has urged motorists to ensure that all trailers comply with the Irish Road Traffic Regulations.
All caravans need to undergo safety checks to test whether they are roadworthy before heading out on long journeys.
Your local mechanics or testing centres can carry out the checks and identify issues with tyres, brakes and other components that could lead to issues on the road.
Drivers are also urged to ensure that all windows and mirrors are clean, properly adjusted and in good condition to have a good view of the rear.
They warned that only drivers who have a category B or BE licence can tow the trailer, which means that a B driving licence can drive a car, van or 4 X4 with a small trailer that is no greater than 750kg.
All unbraked light trailers must not exceed 750kg in weight and the maximum authorised mass is the weight of the trailer including its load.
For example, the maximum permissible weight of the trailer is 750kg and the unladen weight of the trailer is 110kg – the maximum load weight which can be carried would be 640kg.
If you were caught not complying with laden weight provisions, you could receive a court summons if stopped by a Gardaí and if convicted, you could face a fine of up to €2,500.
If also detected using a vehicle and trailer combination whose axles or weight exceed those specified by the vehicle or trailer manufacturer, you can face a penalty point and a €200 fine if paid within 28 days.
However, it will rise up to €300 if paid within the subsequent 28 days or three penalty points and a fine not exceeding €2,500 if convicted in court.
HOLLY Willoughby unveiled a dramatic new look while giving a rare insight into her family life.
Taking to Instagram, the presenter, 44, marked her eldest finishing his GCSEs.
Revealing a brand new look, Holly sported a pair of glasses in the snap.
She penned: “Any other mums/dads of 16 year old, post GCSE children suddenly find themselves with a new role of personal party driver?
“Mums ‘Mini’ Cabs…and yes… I’m now a Glasses wearer… game changer! Will tag the details!”
One follower commented: “LOVVVVVVE the specs, I got mine 2 years ago and can’t be without the accessory now! They are cute.”
Another added: “all the best people wear glasses!”
While a third added: “You look absolutely beautiful holly with glasses.”
A fourth remarked: “Looking lovely good to see you.”
It comes as Holly recently looked happier than ever as she posed in a bikini and cuddled two pals.
The star couldn’t stop smiling as she sat on the floor with her arms wrapped around Director of Artist Relations at Universal Music, Shiarra Bell, and All Saints star Nicole Appleton.
Posting the snap to Instagram, she kept the caption simple with a single red heart emoji, tagging both friends.
The former This Morning host’s celeb buddies filled the comments section with their well wishes.
Emma Bunton wrote: “There’s my gorgeous girls!!!” while Lisa Snowdon said: “The cutest pic!” and Christine Lampard inserted a string of heart-eyed emojis.
Meanwhile, it has been a testing few years for the former ITV treasure – as she has been left without a TV show for the first time in years.
One option for the star could be a reboot of Record Breakers, which Holly’s husband Dan Baldwin is already working on.
There is currently no channel attached to the show, which is in its very early stages but sources say it would be a “perfect fit”.
A telly insider said: “Record Breakers is likely to be a prime time hit and it would make perfect sense for Holly to take the reins.
“She has worked alongside Dan before and the pair know what it takes to make great telly.”
She has also been linked to a reboot of Cilla Black’s best-known show, Blind Date.
The Sun told this week how the ITV classic is being revived – and in a surprise twist will go to global streaming service Disney+.
Producers want to keep the tradition of a top British female host, with a shortlist also including Claudia Winkleman and Davina McCall.
Sources say Holly is also being looked at for a new Channel 4 talent show, currently dubbed Secret Singers, which is searching for raw, undiscovered singing talent.
Love Productions – the creators of The Great British Bake Off and The Piano – have already put out a casting call.
An insider said: “This is likely to be a heartwarming and hugely popular show for all the family.
“They are looking for a the perfect host to make sure it’s a huge success and it could be perfect timing with Holly’s break in TV.”
BRITISH Airways crew were mistakenly booked into a sex dungeon — and got no sleep owing to moans and groans from a 24-hour orgy.
Staff who tried to kip in bondage-themed beds were unable to work the next day.
Their bosses booked the team into the Motel Mo.om in the Italian city of Milan but had confused it with the nearby Mo.om Hotel.
At least 12 staff were made to stay in the seedy hub, which boasts a vagina-shaped spa bath.
A source told The Sun: “Crew were booked into a pay-by-the-hour sex hotel last Thursday. They were confronted with bondage sets, mirrored ceilings, human dog cages and leather harnesses.
“It was obvious that this wasn’t the place the crew was supposed to stay.
“Getting proper rest is essential to maintaining the safety of aircraft and passengers.
“It was a comical mistake by the hotel booking team, but had serious implications. Some of the team who stayed in the sex dungeon didn’t get any sleep, so they couldn’t operate on BA services the following day. They were kept awake by thrillseekers moaning and groaning all day and night.
“Staff reported constant noise, and witnessed ‘drug deals and prostitution’, as well as a ‘24-hour orgy.
“There were adult workers outside propositing staff. Crew even reported suspicious fluids in their rooms which made their skin crawl.”
Despite the mix-up, there were no reported delays to BA flights.
The airline said: “A small number of crew were moved to unapproved hotel rooms due to availability issues with our usual provider, without our knowledge. We are urgently investigating to prevent a repeat.”
AN URGENT warning has been issued ahead of the popular event in Donegal as thousands of visitors are expected to attend.
The annual Donegal International Rally is set to kick off tomorrow and will last throughout the weekend, attracting thousands of visitors across the island and beyond.
As part of the measures to ensure the public is safe during the event, An Garda Síochána and the Police Service of Northern Ireland have launched their Cross-Border Traffic Management Plan for it.
This means that there will be increased checkpoints, high-visibility patrols and additional marked and unmarked vehicles, Garda motorcyclists and the Garda Air Support Unit.
For tourists who are planning on attending the event by driving up, Gardai have issued four key tips that will ensure their safety.
The driver are urged to plan their journey and arrive in plenty of time as there will be road closures over the weekend, which means high volumes of traffic are expected.
The road closures may also impact public transport journeys.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to follow advice and guidance from Gardai and race marshals.
People are urged to buckle up, put the mobile phone away and never drink or take drugs and drive.
Lastly, the cops ask spectators to watch the rally from the designated safe viewing areas.
Speaking at the launch, Chief Superintendent Goretti Sheridan of the Donegal Garda Division said: “An Garda Síochána will be working in partnership with our colleagues in the PSNI where we will be out in force this weekend promoting road safety on both sides of the border.
“The Donegal International Rally is a major event which attracts thousands of visitors to our county. We are calling on all road users and rally fans to enjoy the event responsibly and to prioritise road safety above all else.
“Our appeal is simple: Keep the Race in its Place.
“An Garda Síochána will have a highly visible presence across the county over the weekend, with checkpoints, speed enforcement, and patrols targeting dangerous driving, drink and drug driving, speeding, mobile phone and seat belt offences.
“Reckless and irresponsible driving on public roads will not be tolerated. Our focus is on keeping people safe.”
PSNI Chief Inspector for Derry City & Strabane, Cherith Craig, said “We know the roads will be busier than usual this weekend due to the Donegal International Rally, which is a huge motorsports event and attracts massive numbers of spectators.
Gardai revealed that they will be closing down roads to accommodate the event, and provided information on the diversions to help tourists plan their trip in advance.
This includes Port Road, Cullion Road, Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road and Carndonagh Relief Road, with different closure hours assigned for each roads.
PORT ROAD:
The L-1004 Port Road from 4:15pm to 9:00pm on Thursday, June 19, for the ceremonial start.
CULLION ROAD:
The Cullion Road from 2pm on Friday 20th to 2am on Saturday 21st; from 10am on Saturday 21st to 2am on Sunday 22nd and from 10am to 10pm on Sunday 22nd.
This involves the closure of the L1094/2 Cullion Road in the townland of Drumnahoagh from the junction with the L1114/2&3 Leck Road to the junction with the N56/82 Four Lane Road.
The diversion route will be via the L1114/2 (Leck Road), the N13/8 (Letterkenny Stranorlar Road) and the N56/82 (Four Lane Road).
BALLYRAINE ROAD/RAMELTON ROAD:
The R-940-1 Ballyraine Road/Ramelton Road closed on Sunday, June 22 from 4:00pm to 8:30pm.
Alternative route: N56 Ramelton Road – N56 Business Park Road – L1009 Gortlee Road.
CARNDONAGH RELIEF ROAD:
The Carndonagh Relief Road from SuperValue junction to the L-12611 will be closed on Friday 20th from 9:30am to 7:00pm.
Local access to shops and businesses will be maintained at all times.
There will be local diversions via the R-240-1, L-1271 and L-12611-0.
“With the expected increase in cross-border traffic from people travelling to and from the event, we’ll be working in partnership with our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, focusing on road safety.
“You’ll see our officers on patrol conducting checks to ensure everyone on the road is legal, that their vehicles are roadworthy and that everyone is playing their part in keeping our roads safe.
“We all share the responsibility of road safety and to work together to reduce the number of people injured or killed on our roads.
“Our plea is to slow down, stay safe and have an enjoyable weekend. Remember the fatal five – don’t drink or drug-drive, slow down, don’t get careless, wear your seat belt and stay off your phone.”
LOVE Island’s Harry shared a very steamy kiss with Yasmin in the hideaway behind partner Helena’s back tonight.
Confident Yasmin initiated the smooch after Harry admitted he enjoyed their kiss in a villa challenge.
She told him bluntly: “I’m waiting for you to shut up and kiss me.”
Harry duly obliged and went all in. He grabbed Yasmin by the throat and bit her lip as they gave in to desire.
Yasmin was just as handsy, leaving her mark on Harry by scratching his neck.
The pair enjoyed it so much they went in for seconds and thirds, before sheepishly returning to the villa garden.
Harry sat down with the girls, prompting a stunned Shakira to question his audacity.
However, he insisted he and Yasmin only had a chat.
It wasn’t long before he confided in Dejon, though, asking him to keep quiet.
Later on, he eventually told the other boys, but their muted reaction made him question if he’d done the right thing.
The semi-pro footballer said he felt Yasmin was “staring into his soul” in the debrief.
Yasmin spilled all to Toni, admitting she felt that Harry always got off lightly while she would no doubt receive backlash.
Later, in a brutal game by the fire pit that saw the housemates read out anonymous phrases before guessing who said them, Harry admitted that he was open to getting to know Yasmin.
There were more fireworks when it was revealed Yasmin said she’d like Harry to “tip her upside down”.
Finally coming clean about the smooch, Harry and Yasmin dropped the bomb that they’d kissed three times.
Furious Megan branded him a p***k and said he “owed it to Helena to be honest”.
While Helena could be seen storming off as Harry you showed no sign of remorse.
THE thrills and spills of the summer transfer window are well underway with some huge deals in the pipeline.
Florian Wirtz stunning £116million move to Liverpool will likely be confirmed on Friday.
Elsewhere, Chelsea remain in pole position to sign Jamie Gittens after two failed attempts, according to reports.
In other news, Napoli are reportedly eyeing up a potential move for Darwin Nunez.
FOLLOW THE CLUB WORLD CUP ON DAZN
Follow ALL the latest news, moves and completed deals with our live blog below…
