DUBLIN IS PREPARING for the largest gathering of heads of state and government ever hosted by Ireland, with four days of road closures and transport disruption beginning today.
Dozens of European leaders will attend Thursday’s European Political Community summit, followed by an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday, under the largest security operation in the State’s history.
The meetings come just days after a series of bomb threats against airlines and media organisations.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin has warned that “the security stakes are much higher in this period of time than they have been for a long time in Europe”.
Dublin City Council has warned of “major and prolonged traffic disruption” in the IFSC and south city areas in particular, with rolling closures elsewhere.
The European Political Community will bring together leaders from across Europe, including countries outside the EU (Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy and the UK’s Andy Burnham are among the expected guests).
It was established in 2022 following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, creating a venue for dialogue between EU and non-EU countries.
Its meetings also include the heads of organisations such as Nato, the Council of Europe and the OSCE.
A separate meeting on Friday will involve EU leaders alongside the presidents of the European Council and European Commission.
Both meetings take place at the Convention Centre, with a formal dinner at the National Gallery on Thursday evening, during Ireland’s presidency of the Council of the EU.
“We have the largest number of prime ministers ever at the one time in our country, and that does call for a very significant security operation,” Martin said on Friday.
The disruption could be compounded by a planned public-sector strike on Thursday, with rallies due to take place across the country, including Dublin, if the pay dispute is not resolved.
Jason Cullen of Dublin Commuter Coalition warned that a large protest would add to difficulties moving around the capital.
“If there’s a massive protest moving through the city as well … that is going to further block, and that might affect even more so your logistics, your delivery companies,” Cullen said.
He urged commuters to keep an eye on developments in the dispute when planning their journeys.
The anti-war protest is due to start at the Spire at 5pm on Thursday, before proceeding in the direction on the IFSC.
Some areas will be accessible only to accredited people, while wider cordons will allow residents and businesses access subject to security checks.
The main restrictions flagged by gardaí are:
The restricted area at the National Gallery/Merrion Square.
Additional closures around Merrion Square and Pearse Street will affect Thursday’s evening rush hour. Rolling closures will accompany delegations travelling between the airports and city venues from Wednesday to Friday.
The council is advising Dubliners and commuters to plan ahead, allow extra time and minimise car use where possible.
City-centre buses will face diversions, shortened routes, stop changes and delays between Tuesday and Friday.
Transport for Ireland has warned that real-time bus information won’t be reliable.
On Wednesday, Luas Red Line services will operate to The Point, but Mayor Square and Spencer Dock stops close from 8pm.
On Thursday and Friday, regular Red Line services will operate between Tallaght/Saggart and Connolly only. The Green Line and Irish Rail services, including Docklands…
