Spectators returning from the World Golf Championship at Mount Juliet yesterday evening faced traffic tailbacks of up to 15 miles.
The gridlock centred on Carlow where north-bound motorists were taking up to 1½ hours to get through.
Only three gardaí were on duty in the town yesterday, none of them on traffic control. Traffic lights were switched off for a time during the evening, but had to be switched on again after dark, for safety reasons.