Ireland is set to assume the Presidency of the Council of the European Union this week, marking the beginning of a six-month term that will see political leaders and representatives from across Europe travel to Ireland for meetings, negotiations and major diplomatic events.
The Presidency is set to bring over 40 heads of state visiting and more than 200 meetings taking place over a 6 month period. Most of these meetings will be held in Dublin Castle.
The Dublin Airport Authority has introduced measures to accommodate the expected increase in official flights and are ensuring that there will not be noticeable delays for holiday goers.
To minimise disruption for commercial passengers during what is expected to be the airport's busiest summer on record, EU delegations will be processed through the airport's former central terminal building, which was decommissioned in the 1970s and has been brought back into service for the presidency.
While Ireland has previously held the rotating presidency, this term is expected to be the busiest in the country's history. Questions have been raised about Ireland's ability to manage the increased security demands, particularly after drones were spotted during President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit last year.
An Garda Síochána says it is prepared to deal with any potential security risks, although some disruption is expected throughout the six-month presidency.
Chief Superintendent Jarlath Lennon, who oversees Roads Policing, Events, Public Order and Public Safety, reassured the public, saying:
"Day-to-day people will not notice any difference, but on occasion there will be significant disruption, primarily in Dublin city centre, at various times."
He added:
"It is one of the biggest operations we have ever policed in the history of the organisation. We will have significantly more personnel on duty than people would normally see, and the security of the EU Presidency is the priority of An Garda Síochána over the next six months."
Assistant Secretary General with the Office of Public Works, Rosemary Collier, also highlighted the scale of the programme.
"There's a huge range of dinners, receptions, ministerial and informal events, meetings and bilateral meetings. The European Political Community event in November, where more than 40 heads of state will come to Ireland, will certainly be the biggest political event ever held in the country."
A large event is scheduled to be held in November which may lead to certain delays.
