Wet and windy start to bank holiday weekend

MARATHON RUNNERS hoping to squeeze in some last-minute training before Monday's race in Dublin will face mixed weather.

Met Éireann meteorologist Vincent O'Shea says today will be wet and windy, much like Thursday when there were some stormy conditions. Kerry, Clare, Galway and Mayo are expected to bear the brunt.

"We've given warnings to local authorities that there'll be very inclement weather. It won't be record-breaking but there'll be very strong southerly gales countrywide, probably gusting up to 140km per hour across many parts."

Tomorrow is expected to be brighter. The Midlands and Dublin should get away with a dry day, although showers are expected in the northwest.

Marathon runners will feel the cold on bank holiday Monday. "It will be getting distinctly chilly on Monday with temperatures barely in double figures, struggling to reach 9 or 10 degrees," Mr O'Shea said. "On the plus side it will be a crisp day with a lot of bright, sunny weather."

Traffic diversions will be in place for the marathon on Monday morning. Gardaí say there will be "severe" traffic restrictions in the Merrion Square, Nassau Street and St Stephen's Green areas.

Motorists coming from the north or west travelling to the RDS are advised to use the East Link toll bridge and Strand Road or to use the M50/N11. Traffic coming from the south should take the N11 and Aylesbury Road.

Gardaí have launched a new effort to combat excessive speed, drink-driving and non-wearing of seatbelts. "Super checkpoints", where large numbers can be breathalysed, will be at 16 locations throughout Dublin.

"This year, 23 people have lost their lives on the roads in the greater Dublin area and while this compares favourably to 30 deaths for the comparable period last year, it still represents unnecessary trauma, heartache and tragedy for dozens of people," a Garda spokesman said.

"Excessive speed, drink-driving and non-wearing of seat belts continue to remain the key contributory factors to death and serious injury on Irish roads. This latest Dublin operation aims at tackling all of these activities in an endeavour to encourage a positive change in driver attitude and behaviour."

Meanwhile, Irish Water Safety is warning the public not to take unnecessary risks this bank holiday weekend, saying that water-related tragedies can happen in a matter of seconds. A spokesman said unsettled weather was a warning to those engaged in water-based activities to be on alert.