Two big Dublin events may cause traffic disruption

Severe traffic disruption is expected in the east of Dublin city tomorrow evening, with thousands of motorists heading to the World Cup qualifying match in Lansdowne Road and the Pavarotti concert in the Point.

Both events are scheduled to start at 7.45pm, and are likely to cause traffic gridlock, north and south, across the Liffey.

Some 35,000 match supporters are due to watch Ireland play France in Lansdowne Road, while 6,500 are set to attend the Pavarotti concert.

Although the attendance will be far lower for the concert, a spokeswoman for AA Roadwatch said the number of cars heading to both events is likely to be similar. "While there are 35,000 heading to the match, a lot of these people will use public transport, particularly the Dart, because there's a stop just at the stadium."

AA Roadwatch estimates that just 17,000 supporters will travel to the match by car and are likely to share vehicles.

"It's hard to predict, but possibly 4,000 cars will be heading to the match. Given that there is better parking at the Point, but not as good public transport links, and a greater likelihood of people attending in groups of two, there could be 3,000 cars travelling to the concert."

Motorists are advised to allow an extra 30 to 45 minutes for their journeys. Traffic will be particularly heavy on the southside along Pigeon House Road to Seán Moore Road and on all roads in the vicinity of Ballsbridge and the stadium.

There will be severe delays along North Wall Quay and East Wall Road heading towards the theatre. Motorists should also be aware that all traffic travelling along East Wall Road to the Point will be diverted through Dublin Port.

Parking for 1,000 cars is available on site at the Point. It is anticipated that these spaces will be full by 7.20pm. Limited on-street parking is available on North Wall Quay and surrounding streets.