Garda launch largest security operation in Irish history for EU summit
Major road closures and transit disruptions will hit Dublin next week as European leaders gather for two high-level meetings.
By Pablo Kuznetsov ·
An Garda Síochána has announced the largest policing and security operation in the history of the State. The deployment will protect two European Union presidency meetings scheduled for November 10 to 13. Dubliners should expect major changes to their daily commutes during this period.
The European Political Community summit is set for Thursday, November 12. This event marks the largest gathering of heads of state and government that Ireland has ever hosted. Leaders will meet at the Convention Centre Dublin. A formal dinner will follow at the National Gallery of Ireland. An informal meeting of EU leaders will take place the next day, Friday, November 13, also at the Convention Centre.
Security measures begin on Tuesday, November 10. A cordon around the Convention Centre will be established from 7am. Barriers and no-parking zones will restrict access. North Wall Quay will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians from Tuesday morning until Friday evening. East and west traffic will be diverted to approach roads to maintain flow around the blocked section.
On Wednesday, November 11, similar restrictions will surround the National Gallery of Ireland from 7am. A wider cordon around the Convention Centre will start at 8pm that night and remain in place until Friday evening. The Samuel Beckett Bridge will close to traffic at 8pm on Wednesday. Movements within the area bounded by Amiens Street, Seville Place, Sheriff Street Upper, East Wall Road, and North Wall Quay will be restricted.
The National Transport Authority confirmed that bus services will be diverted from the quays east of Custom House from November 10 through 13. Stops in the Connolly area and the southeast city center will be affected. On the Luas red line, Mayor Square and Spencer Dock stops will close from 8pm on Wednesday. The line will not operate east of Busáras or Connolly on Thursday and Friday. Dublin City Council advised residents to use public transport, walk, or cycle to reduce car usage.
Arrivals and departures for the leaders will occur at Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome. Traffic restrictions will apply on Dunbro between the R108 and R122. Additional Garda patrols will monitor perimeter roads including Naul Road, R108, R132, and Old Airport Road. Similar measures will cover the perimeter roads leading to Casement Aerodrome.
Source: The Irish Times
