Minister for the Diaspora and International Development Ciaran Cannon has advised people from Galway hoping to attend either the visit of Pope Francis to the Apparition Chapel at Knock Shrine or the Closing Mass for the World Meeting of Families at the Phoenix Park to ensure that they have tickets in advance and to plan their journey.
Minister Cannon said that given the scale of the forthcoming visit of Pope Francis, the Government has issued important advice for those hoping to attend either the event in Knock Shrine or the Closing Mass for the World Meeting of Families at the Phoenix Park.
“This advice concerns practical matters and people from Galway and across the country who hope to be part of the events should: ensure they have a ticket for either event (and be conscious that they will not be able to attend both events as they are happening on the same day ) – which means registering for a ticket now; decide on how they will travel to the event (a comprehensive transport plan is to be published in the coming weeks ); and prepare for a long journey.
He said that in addition, people should be aware they may have to stand or walk for long periods.
“It is also important to note that to this end, there will be a range of supports available such as rest zones, welfare areas, medical facilities and teams of volunteers.
People may also find it useful to know that 500,000 tickets will be made available for the Phoenix Park Mass which is six times the match capacity of Croke Park taking place in one venue at the same time.
20,000 people will be working at Phoenix Park, as event staff or taking part in the Mass; and 45,000 is the site capacity of Knock.
Further information is available at http://gov.ie/en/visit-of-pope-francis/’.
