THE Fates seem to be conspiring with assorted local authorities to ensure that, no matter where motorists roam this weekend, someone, is digging up the of them.
Motorists travelling south from Dublin city on the Naas dual carriageway will encounter the massive road improvement works between Newlands Cross and Rathcoole, Phase 1 of which is to last until 1997.
A 40 m.p.h. speed limit is in operation although during rush hours, from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., two lanes will be kept open. The road works will not affect inbound traffic.
Still heading south, a contra flow system is in operation on the Nil in Kilmacanogue village, beyond Bray, Co Wicklow, which means there are likely to be serious disruptions over the weekend. One option is to take the coast road and rejoin the Nil at Delgany.
Those travelling west via Athlone will encounter road works on the N6 between Kilbeggan and Tyrellspass, while there are roadworks on the N4 east of Edgeworthstown for those heading north-west. In Cork, North Main Street and Castle Street remain closed and there are major roadworks being carried out on the Model Farm Road. Driving from Cork towards Killarney on the N22, road resurfacing is taking place from Ballyvourney to the Kerry border, almost 10 miles.
Major roadworks are also in progress on the N25 Waterford to Dungarvan road. Extra care is required and motorists travelling on the road are required to reduce their speed. An option is to take the road to Kill outside Waterford and head for Dungarvan along the coast.
In Donegal, resurfacing work is continuing on the NIS Donegal to Ballyshannon road at Laghy and on the N13 Stranorlar/Ballybofey road at Kilross. A minor road outside Stranorlar shadows the N13 and rejoins it at Drumnacross, beyond Kilross.
Rail
Because of engineering works to upgrade the Dublin Belfast line to high speed service, there will be a bus transfer from Dundalk to Belfast heading north and from Belfast to Dundalk travelling south.
Passengers travelling by Iarnrod Eireann should note that the inter-city trains from Houston to Waterford (11.40) and Westport (13.05) will be stopping at the Curragh because of the races, as will the 10.55 from Waterford, the 10.50 from Galway and the 11 a.m.from Cork.
After the races, evening trains from Houston to Cork (17.20), Limerick (17.30), Westport (18.10) and Waterford (18.15) will also stop at the Curragh, as will the Galway. Houston (15.25) and Tralee Houston (14.10) trains.