ANYONE with a ticket to Pope Francis' Mass at Phoenix Park next month will be allowed to travel for free within Dublin for 24 hours.
Gardaí say there is a major subscription of people who are planning to drive to and from the event on Sunday, August 26.
They are encouraging people to leave their cars at home when travelling to see the Pontiff, with around 500,000 people expected to attend the Closing Mass.
Garda Superintendent Thomas Murphy said there will be here no car park within walking distance of Phoenix Park available during the event.
He added: "This is the largest event Ireland has organised in nearly 40 years.
"It simply will not be possible to accommodate all the people who have indicated they want to travel by car to the Mass.
"Therefore we are urging people to go by train, bus, coach or Luas to this event. While walking is inevitable, you will be minimising your walk to and from the event by taking public transport or private coaches."
Gardaí have issued the following advice:
- Leave your car at home
- Take public transport to and from the event or use private coaches
- If travelling within Dublin walk to the transport hubs
- Be prepared to walk on the day and suitable footwear is recommended
Those who have booked a ticket and indicated they would like to travel by car will be contacted next week by the World Meeting of Families.
Meanwhile, people travelling from outside Dublin are being urged to pre-book their transport arrangements.
"Every bus, train and tram is being used for this event," said Tim Gaston, Director of Public Transport Services at the NTA.
"For the safety of the travelling public if you have a ticket for the Phoenix Park, you will be allowed to travel for free within Dublin on the day of the event."
