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.Micheál Martin speaking to the media during the European Political Community summit in Dublin (Liam McBurney/PA)PA WireEvery 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.Around 100 specially trained motorcycle escort officers will bring VIPs from Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel into the city.The security operation has been ramped up as leaders arrive for the summit (Niall Carson/PA)PA WireGardaí 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.Following the EPC summit at the Convention Centre, Taoiseach Micheál 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.Read MoreIrish 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.Micheál Martin (right) welcomes French President Emmanuel Macron to the European Political Community summit (Brian Lawless/PA)PA WireThere 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.