Gardaí have issued an update on travel restrictions around Co Mayo ahead of the visit of US President Joe Biden later today.
President Biden is due to address crowds outside St Muredach's Cathedral in Ballina this evening from 7pm.
Traffic delays are likely as the president is due to arrive at Ireland West Airport Knock in the afternoon and gardaí have advised those travelling to and from the airport to allow extra time due to possible temporary road closures.
Traffic diversions will be in place around the towns of Castlebar and Ballina.
Ballina
From 10am today access to Ballina town will be restricted to local residents and workers until the event in Ballina finishes.
The N59 through Ballina will be closed to traffic from 10am for the duration of the event and traffic should divert via N26/ N5/ N17 Foxford, Swinford, Charlestown, Tobercurry, Sligo.
In Ballina town, gates at the junction of Barrett and Tolan Streets and Dillon Terrace and Lower Pearse Street will open at 5.30pm.
A limited free shuttle bus service will operate from 4.30pm from Knockmore GAA, Castleconnor Community Centre, Mercy Road, Crossmolina and McVann furniture on Killala Road, north Ballina.
The Bus Éireann bus depot and Irish Rail are a 10 and 15 minute walk respectively from the gates.
A drop-off point for wheelchair users will be available on Barrett Street, just before Tolan Street.
Castlebar
On the Westport side of Castlebar diversions will be in place from midday to 5pm, including partial closures of the Westport Road into Castlebar, Lannagh Road, Old Westport Road from Lanagh Road to the main entrance to Mayo University Hospital and Humbert Way to Cathal Duffy's Roundabout
Access to Mayo University Hospital will be affected by traffic diversions, which will reduce car parking availability.
Patients attending appointments in the afternoon should arrive early, gardaí said.
Large vehicles travelling to or from Westport via Castlebar should divert through either Newport or Ballinrobe.
From around 12.30pm to 3pm temporary traffic restrictions may occur on the N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris and from around 1.30pm to 3.30pm on the N5 between Charlestown and Castlebar.
President Biden will leave Co Mayo via Ireland West Airport for Dublin Airport later this evening.
