Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 backs Share the Road to Zero Campaign
Date published:
Organisers of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 are backing the ‘Share the Road to Zero’ initiative which encourages all road users to think of safety first when travelling.
This is the first time Belfast has hosted the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann and over 800,000 visitors are expected to attend.
The team behind the Fleadh is backing the Department for Infrastructure’s Share the Road to Zero community engagement campaign, which aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging us to take more responsibility and care on the roads.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said:
“The Fleadh is one of the largest cultural festivals in Europe and it is a real honour for Belfast to be chosen to host it this year and next. There are over 800,000 people expected to attend, travelling to Belfast from all over this island and we want everyone to travel safely. It is great to get this incredible festival to back the road safety campaign.
“Sadly too many people are killed and seriously injured on our roads every year and more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error. We can all make a difference and help save lives by taking more care when using the roads. Public transport has an important role to play in visitors and participants movement around the city and enjoy everything the festival has to offer. However, if you are travelling to Belfast from any part of Ireland, please take care when travelling.”
After signing up to ‘Share the Road to Zero’, Breandán Mac Giolla Uír of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann explained why Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 are keen to support the innovative campaign.
He said:
“We are signing up to Share the Road to Zero as a reminder for us all that we must never lose sight of the importance of road safety and of being vigilant and careful as road users.
“We are expecting thousands of visitors to Belfast to enjoy Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 and we want everyone to get here safely, get home safely, and have a wonderful time.”
The Northern Ireland Football League, Ulster GAA, PSNI, Belfast Giants, Northern Ireland Ambulance Service, Northern Ireland Fire and Rescue Service, Sustrans NI, local councils and many more organisations and high profile people have also backed the campaign.
Pledging to ‘Share the Road to Zero’ can be done online via www.sharetheroadtozero.com as an individual or as an organisation.
Notes to editors:
- Photo caption: Infrastructure Minister, Liz Kimmins is pictured with Breandán Mac Giolla Uír of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann who are backing the ‘Share the Road to Zero’ community engagement campaign, which aims to reduce road deaths by encouraging us to take more responsibility and care on the roads.
- During the Fleadh which runs from 2-9 August, visitors are encouraged to plan their journey in advance, allow extra time and use public transport where possible, particularly as road closures and traffic restrictions will be in place across parts of Belfast city centre during the festival. Belfast’s compact, walkable city centre and public transport network will support access across Fleadh venues, with clear signage, volunteer support and up-to-date travel information available throughout the week. Access to the city will also be supported through three dedicated Park and Ride sites for visitors travelling to attend the event. More information here fleadhcheoil.ie/travel
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