Dublin Castle is hosting the informal meeting of EU Transport Ministers on 20–21 September as part of Ireland’s rotating EU Council Presidency. An Garda Síochána has mounted a large-scale policing and security operation covering the Castle precinct, key hotels in Ballsbridge and the airport corridors used by delegations. Roads around Castle St and Ship St remain closed until year-end, while rolling motorcycle escorts are operating during ministerial transfers. To minimise knock-on disruption, Gardaí have liaised with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, Dublin Bus, Luas and Iarnród Éireann. Business travellers should nevertheless expect intermittent delays on Merrion Rd, Leeson St and St Stephen’s Green during peak arrival windows (08:30–09:30 today). The Irish Aviation Authority has also activated Temporary Restricted Airspace and drone-detection systems above the conference venues, broadening “no-fly zones” first introduced during July’s Justice Ministers summit. For mobility managers the event is a live rehearsal of the heightened security overlay Ireland will apply during the Presidency. Companies should brief assignees on altered traffic patterns, allow extra journey time to Dublin Airport and verify that any commercial drone operations within the city centre hold IAA exemptions. The Department of Foreign Affairs has advised visiting delegations that normal immigration procedures at the airport remain in place, but recommends carrying official invitation letters to facilitate expedited clearance at passport control.
Source: An Garda Síochána press release
