Security operation in Dublin ramps up as major European events get under way

Leaders from across Europe have arrived in Dublin as Ireland’s biggest security operation ramped up, bringing parts of the city almost to a standstill.

Political leaders are attending two major EU presidency events on Thursday and Friday.

More than 50 world leaders are in Dublin for the European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday, followed by an informal meeting of the EU Council on Friday.

A widespread security zone is in place around the Convention Centre in the north side of the capital, with vehicles, pedestrians and cyclists prohibited from accessing the area.

Air and maritime exclusion zones have also been put in place as world leaders descend on the city.

The largest and widest temporary restricted airspace flight restriction is in place across Dublin until Saturday, including restricted access on drones.

This week marks the largest policing and security operation ever implemented by the Irish police force, An Garda Síochána, larger than any previous US presidential visit.

Every Garda member is involved either directly policing the events in Dublin or indirectly in local communities across the country.

Over a 72-hour period, from Thursday through to Saturday, more than 15,000 12-hour shifts will be carried out by Garda members, with more than 35,000 hot meals provided.

As part of the event, the force received a new fleet of motorcycles, patrol cars and vans, new motorcycle and public order uniforms and equipment, all of which will remain available after the event for the ongoing day-to-day policing of the country.

Gardaí also purchased the most up-to-date counter-drone detection and mitigation systems.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said there will be approximately 500 public order trained Garda members along with 500 officers.

About 100 specially trained motorcycle escort officers will bring VIPs from Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel into the city.

Gardaí have also drafted in officers from Northern Ireland, Latvia and Portugal to help.

The extensive policing and security operation, which came into effect on Tuesday, has effected people who live, work and study in the areas around the Convention Centre, as well as the National Gallery and on routes between Dublin Airport, Baldonnel and several city hotels.

Garda Superintendent Liam Geraghty said there are 5,000 gardaí deployed across the city, from frontline policing to plain clothes officers, special detectives to public order units, drone unit, helicopter, horses, dogs and water units.

“This week is an historic week in the history of An Garda Síochána as we police two major events,” he said on Thursday.

“This is a unique event, not just in the numbers of members involved in policing with up 15,000, 12-hours tours of duty over four days, but also the complexity and the logistics involved in the operation as we keep 50 heads of state safe and secure in Dublin city centre.

“We want to thank the public to date for their assistance and their support. We know an operation like this in its size does discompose people and cause problems for people but we have seen support from public.

“We have 500 members of An Garda Síochána who are tactically trained in firearms protecting the heads of state, we have 500 public order members on duty.”

He said that the heads of state arrived at the Convention Centre every 90 seconds to be met and greeted by Taoiseach Micheál Martin.

Following the EPC summit at the Convention Centre, Mr Martin will host dinner for the heads of state at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Hundreds of members of the international media are also at the Convention Centre, with more than 500 people part of the 50 delegations.

Irish authorities have been planning for the two-day event for more than two years, with officials first meeting in September 2024.

It has involved the collaboration of public service officials including gardaí, Dublin City Council and many civil servants.

There has been some 2,000 staff involved in setting up the events.

Officials spent some six months assessing venues in Dublin and other parts of the country, which took into account all of the logistical and security requirements needed to host the events.

The horticulture on display throughout the venue showcases a variety of plants from different Office of Public Works (OPW) sites. These include Derrynane House in Kerry, Garnish Island in Cork, Glebe in Donegal and Dublin’s Phoenix Park.

The Convention Centre, which has a 55 metre-high glass atrium, was used for temporary sittings of the Irish parliament, Dáil Éireann, during the Covid-19 pandemic to allow for social distance between politicians and staff.