Organisers of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 have backed a road safety campaign as Belfast hosts the festival for the first time.
The Department for Infrastructure said more than 800,000 visitors are expected to attend. The Fleadh team has signed up to Share the Road to Zero, a community engagement campaign encouraging all road users to take greater care.
Infrastructure Minister Liz Kimmins said the festival is one of Europe’s largest cultural events and that visitors will be travelling to Belfast from across the island. She urged people coming to the city to travel safely and said public transport would have an important role during the event.
The department said the campaign is aimed at reducing road deaths by encouraging greater responsibility on the roads. It said more than 95% of road deaths are due to human error.
Breandán Mac Giolla Uír of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann said the Fleadh’s support was intended as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and care by road users. He said organisers wanted visitors to get to Belfast and return home safely.
The Fleadh runs from 2 to 9 August. Visitors are being encouraged to plan journeys in advance, allow extra time and use public transport where possible, with road closures and traffic restrictions in parts of Belfast city centre during the festival.
The department said Belfast’s compact city centre and public transport network would support access to venues, with signage, volunteer support and travel information available during the week. Other organisations backing Share the Road to Zero include the PSNI, Ulster GAA, Belfast Giants and local councils.