As part of the planning requirements for the 2017 Dubai Duty Free Irish Open Golf, a Transportation Plan has been developed by Causeway Coast and Glens Council in partnership with Transport NI, PSNI, Translink and the European Tour. This plan is necessary to minimise traffic congestion and to maximise safety of all those persons attending the Event or carrying on with normal daily life. During this planning process the necessity to implement some traffic restrictions has been identified for safety reasons.
One specific area identified is that of the Strand Road Portstewart, from the roundabout at Burnside Road, to the Strand Beach. Large numbers of pedestrians, significantly exceeding the capacity of the footways, are expected to use this area.
Therefore, it will be necessary to restrict vehicular access to Portstewart Strand on this road during certain timings throughout the Event week. Signs will be placed by PSNI in powers conferred under Article 32 The Road Traffic Regulation (Northern Ireland) Order 1997 to advise drivers of the restrictions. There will be no restriction to pedestrian traffic and emergency services and residents access will be facilitated”
.
• Only pedestrians will be permitted on Portstewart Strand for the duration of the golf tournament.
• This does however give visitors the unique opportunity to enjoy the beach free from any vehicles. The National Trust would also encourage anyone travelling to the beach to do so via public transport as the beach itself remains open throughout the tournament.
• Portstewart Strand is owned and cared for by the National Trust who are responsible for the important work of protecting the beach and its impressive Dunes system.
• In addition to Portstewart Strand there are many spectacular beaches along this stretch of coast including Benone, Castlerock and the beaches at Portrush, White Rocks and Ballycastle.
The vehicle restrictions will only be put in place during times of significant traffic congestion –this will be a dynamic process however it is likely to be from 6 am until the end of play on each day from Tuesday to Sunday.