With the welcome return of St Patrick’s Day events to towns around the county this week, parades and street entertainment will be seen across Co Tyrone.
While many will attend the local events in Omagh, Strabane, Dungannon and Cookstown, there will be some disruption to local traffic and travel on the day.
Here’s what we know about any disruption to traffic and travel across Co Tyrone this St Patrick’s Day.
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Strabane
Strabane will host the only local council run parade in the county on Thursday, with a number of travel restrictions in place across the town.
“Anyone planning a visit to Strabane on Thursday should note that diversions will be in place between 1.30pm until 3.30pm on a number of roads,” a spokesperson for Derry City and Strabane council said.
“The parade will depart from Holy Cross College and travel along Melmount Road onto Bridge Street and over Strabane Bridge before making its way to Market Street, Abercorn Square, Railway Street and finishing at Dock Street/Canal Street.
“Event diversions will be in place along the parade route along Melmount Road and Bridge Street from 1.30pm with alternative routes clearly signposted in accordance with the PSNI’s Traffic Management Plans.
“Diversions will also be in place along the town centre parade route from 2pm until the parade passes including Main Street, Market Street, Butcher Street, Abercorn Square, Derry Road, Railway Road, Dock Street and Canal Street.
“People are asked to please allow extra time for their journey due to the high volume of traffic within the town centre.
“Visitors should note that Cullen’s Fun Fair will also be located at Canal Street Carpark until Sunday 20th March. The funfair will open from 12 noon to late.”
Omagh
A series of events will be happening across the county town on Thursday, with the emphasis on musical performances.
Several main routes in the town will be affected from 8am until 6pm, according to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council.
"In Omagh tomorrow, the following roads will be closed from 8.00 am - 6.00 pm to facilitate the St Patrick's Day celebrations," a council spokesperson said.
"From the traffic lights at Market Street (including Scarffes Entry, High Street, John Street, Church/Georges Street (closed at Georges Street) and Bridge Street. Town centre access and deliveries will be accommodated where possible."
"Alternative routes will be signposted."
Dungannon
A parade will be taking place from O’Neill Park in Dungannon on Thursday and making its way into Ann Street in the town centre.
“There could be some traffic delays in Dungannon tomorrow (Thursday, 17th March) as a St Patrick’s Day parade makes its way through town,” the PSNI said.
“A parade will be leaving O'Neill Park and the Lisnahull Road area around 5pm. The parade will be ending in the Ann Street area around 6pm.
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“There will be limited vehicular access to the town centre from shortly before 5pm, other than for emergency service vehicles, to ensure the safety of all taking part in the parade and spectators.”
Cookstown
The Ancient Order of Hibernians are the organisers of the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Cookstown , with the parade to kick off from Holy Trinity College from 2.30pm.
The parade is due to go on until 4:45pm and police have advised there might be delays in the area.
“There could be some traffic delays in Cookstown tomorrow (Thursday, 17th March) as a St Patrick’s Day parade makes its way through town,” the PSNI said.
“A parade will be leaving from the assembly point at Holy Trinity College off the Chapel Street area around 2.30pm returning around 4.45pm.
“There will be limited vehicular access to the town centre during these times, other than for emergency service vehicles, to ensure the safety of all taking part in the parade and spectators.”
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