HI Damo7, I presently have a 2012 TDI ,GT, DGS, and frequently travel with a tow bar mounted bike rack & a couple of bikes to France. Without mudflaps, I cannot imagine what state the bikes would be in at the end of the journey. Would not be without them, even if they do not look "the part" on my GT or on my shortly to be delivered GTI. I have also driven in Ireland and appreciate your concern about the state of your roads.