Major disruption expected amid largest-ever policing operation for EU meetings
Two key summits involving around 50 heads of state take place in Dublin next Thursday and Friday.
Next week will see the “largest policing and security operation in the history of the State”, gardaí have said.
The security operation around two major EU presidency events will be “bigger than a US presidential visit” with around 50 heads of state visiting Dublin, Superintendent Liam Geraghty has said.
Transport chiefs expect every bus route in the capital to be affected by knock-on traffic disruption associated with road closures and diversions due to the event, and they have asked people to consider if their plans in the capital next Thursday and Friday are necessary.
On Thursday, Ireland will host the ninth meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) in the Convention Centre in Dublin.
The EPC summit will be followed on Friday by an informal meeting of EU heads of state and government, also in the Convention Centre.
Real-time information on arriving buses will not be available on display boards at stops but will still be accessible through apps, the National Transport Authority said, and it advised people to check its website for all information on route changes.
A spokesperson for Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union said “unprecedented security considerations” will impact those who live, work and study in the areas around the Convention Centre, the National Gallery and on routes between Dublin Airport, Casement Aerodrome and several city hotels, as well as public transport users.
Rank-and-file gardaí are planning a work-to-rule around the events, with a public sector worker strike also planned to coincide with the EPC.
Speaking to reporters in Dublin on Wednesday, Mr Geraghty said there has been “intense and extensive planning” between An Garda Síochána and local authorities, transport companies as well as businesses and residents in key locations.
The operation will involve a wide range of Garda units including frontline policing, public order, special detective unit, emergency response unit, air support and the national drone unit.
Gardaí said access to residences and businesses in the vicinity of the meetings will remain open with security checks.
Mr Geraghty asked the public to heed advice from gardaí, particularly in relation to a large amount of security motorcades through the city.
“We have not seen a policing and security operation of this scale ever before in Ireland, this is bigger than a US presidential visit,” he said.
“There will be around 50 heads of state and government in Dublin on Thursday the 12th, with the vast majority of them staying overnight for Friday the 13th.
“Our appeal is to advise the public of the significant traffic disruptions that will take place in order to put that policing and security operation in place.
“People need now this week to look at their plans, look at what their normal travel routes are, travel plans are, and make whatever arrangements they deem appropriate in order to facilitate their own lifestyles and work requirements.”
Asked if An Garda Síochána had secured additional transport for rank-and-file gardaí directed not to use their personal vehicles during the work-to-rule, Mr Geraghty said the dispute is still under discussion.
“The Garda commissioner has met with the Garda Representative Association earlier this week – those talks are ongoing,” he said.
The National Transport Authority’s head of communications said there would be “significant disruptions” across the city, but public transport will be operational.
Jennifer Gilna said: “We would ask everyone to look at what they are doing, and do they have to be here?
“If you’re doing something and you don’t have to be here on that particular day, you know, to look at that.
“But obviously, if you’re coming to work and you’re coming to something else that’s very different – the services will be operational.”
Reflecting on the comparatively lower level of disruption associated with other EU presidency events, she added: “I’m afraid that people will think ‘this is another EU presidency event, it doesn’t impact me’.
“It is really important to be able to say to everybody, I need you to look at it now, today, tomorrow, not next week.”
Ms Gilna also said there will be no pedestrian, bicycle, or vehicular access to security zones which will be “completely sealed”.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin will also host a dinner for visiting leaders in the National Gallery of Ireland on Thursday evening after the EPC summit.