Dubliners warned of major road closures ahead of European summit

Dubliners are being warned to expect major traffic disruption next week as road closures and security restrictions come into effect ahead of Ireland's biggest-ever gathering of European leaders.

Restrictions will run from Tuesday, November 10 until Friday, November 13, to accommodate the European Political Community (EPC) summit at the Convention Centre Dublin on Thursday, November 12.

Around 50 European leaders are expected to attend, with Gardaí confirming the event will involve the largest policing and security operation in the history of the State.

Motorists can expect delays across Dublin city centre, particularly on routes connecting the city to Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome. Public transport services will also be affected.

Where will the road closures be?

Wednesday, November 11

• A security cordon and parking restrictions will be introduced around the National Gallery of Ireland from 7am.
• Further restrictions will affect areas around hotels being used by summit delegates.
• From 8pm, a wider security cordon will be established around the Convention Centre Dublin.
• Samuel Beckett Bridge will close to traffic from 8pm, with diversions in place.
• Restrictions will affect an area bounded by Amiens Street, Seville Place/Sheriff Street Upper, East Wall Road and North Wall Quay.

Thursday, November 12

• Traffic restrictions around the National Gallery will run from 7am until midnight.
• Closures will affect an area bounded by Baggot Street, Fitzwilliam Street, Merrion Square North, Clare Street and Kildare Street.
• Additional traffic and parking restrictions will affect Merrion Square and the Docklands from 7am until late evening.
• Significant road closures are expected between 3pm and 7pm.

Access for residents and businesses will remain available in restricted areas, subject to security checks.

Gardaí are urging the public to plan journeys in advance, allow extra time and follow instructions from officers.

Bomb threats heighten security concerns

The extensive security operation comes after bomb threats were sent to RTÉ and scores of other media organisations across Ireland and Britain on Friday, November 6.

Staff were evacuated from RTÉ's Donnybrook campus before gardaí declared the scene safe.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin described the threats as worrying, confirming that gardaí, the Defence Forces and cyber security experts are working with European counterparts to identify those responsible.

He warned that Ireland must remain alert to hybrid security threats, particularly as it prepares to welcome an unprecedented number of European leaders next week.

Tánaiste Simon Harris also described the threats against media organisations as an attack on democracy.

The incidents have added to security concerns ahead of next week's summit, which will be a major test of Ireland's ability to host high-profile international events safely.