The General Manager of Trump International Golf Links & Hotel in Doonbeg, Joe Russell has said that Gardaí are preparing for expected protests during the US President's visit to Ireland this weekend.
The famous West Clare golf club is to host this year's Irish Open from 10-13 September, which will feature Mr Trump and his family at the event, with the President set to present the trophy to the winning player on Sunday.
Speaking on RTÉ television, Mr Russell said that he expects demonstrations to take place this weekend.
"That's what we're hearing, but my main concern is what's going on inside the boundaries of the golf club," he said. "If protests happen, they happen. They have been discussed and An Garda Síochána are well experienced in dealing with them and we'll leave that in their capable hands".
Elsewhere, Mr Russell told the broadcaster that it was "inevitable" that Mr Trump would visit the course for the event.
"He will come in on Saturday afternoon. He's going to land here and probably take in the evening golf. He's with us overnight on Saturday and here on Sunday and then will depart on Sunday evening", he said.
Joe Russell explained that his team is working closely with the White House, the Secret Service and An Garda Síochána to ensure that the event runs smoothly.
"They're all working in collaboration with each other on-site, off-site arrangements, and we flow into that," he said. "We provide the hospitality, but we also need to ensure that we're following security protocols and all the access and other arrangements that they make".
"He's bringing the Trump family, Eric and Don Jr are also coming and they're bringing their families with them, so we'll have a big presence from the Trump family".
Mr Russell added that around 20,000 people are expected to visit the golf club this weekend.
"It's sold out on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. I think that will be the maximum capacity that we would have," he said. "DP World Tour appear to be very satisfied with their ticket sales and their arrangements around the resort now".
Mr Russell also spoke about the key role that the community has played in making Doonbeg a huge tourist attraction.
"Back in the mid-90s, Doonbeg Community Development found a developer to develop these lands and it's the foresight and determination of those people that brought us all together," he said."They have a fantastic festival going on in the village this week".
"Doonbeg would be known for its festivals; its drama festival, its jazz festival and there are a lot of experienced festival organisers down there", he added. "So, when people are finished with the golf here, if they head towards the village, I think they're in for a good time".
Ahead of this visit, it was also revealed that a state-of-the-art drone defence system would be deployed to protect President Trump during his stay in Ireland. More on this from Nova here.
It also emerged that Donald Trump's visit has meant a League of Ireland fixture between Home Farm DCU and Mervue United, due to take place at Whitehall Stadium on Saturday, has been moved to Fahy's Field in Galway due to road closures. More on this story here.
