Dublin city centre to see major traffic disruption next week for EU presidency events

Dublin city centre will see major traffic disruptions from November 10 to 13 as it prepares for its largest ever policing and security operation to host two EU presidency meetings. Dublin City Council (DCC) has advised the public that major and prolonged traffic disruption is expected around the Docklands areas and approaching roads due to the extensive road closures. An Garda Síochána has said that it will be the largest ever policing and security operation in the history of the state as it will set up security cordons across the city. This is in preparation for the European Political Community summit on November 12 and a EU Heads of State meeting on November 13. Disruptions are expected throughout the city centre on both the north and southside with significant closures around the Convention Centre and the Samuel Beckett bridge on both days. Merrion Square and roads approaching it to the southside of the city will be closed on November 12, with additional prolonged closures expected on routes around Merrion Square and Pearse Street during at rush hour. Many bus routes and some Luas Red line services will also be disrupted during this time, according to Transport for Ireland (TFI). Roads that will be closed off include a North Quays security cordon from Samuel Beckett Bridge and Spencer Place impacting roads leading up to the Convention Centre (7am on November 10 until 6pm on November 13). An extended Convention Centre security cordon will be in place at North Wall Quay, Commons Street and the Spencer Place area (7pm on November 11 until 6pm on November 13). There will be a security zone around the National Gallery on November 12 from 7am to 11:59pm. The Luas Red Line wil be impacted on November 12 as Mayor Square and Spencer Dock stops will be closed. It will operate between Tallaght/Saggart and The Point. On November 13 and 14, there will be no tram service between Connolly and The Point stops, with the red line running only between Tallaght/Saggart and Connolly. 'Commuters are advised to plan ahead on the days in question and leave extra time for their journeys across all roads in the city and especially the city-centre,' according to DCC. 'They are further advised to consider their choice of transport and to use public transport, walk, or cycle if possible and to minimise their car use as much as possible during this time. 'There will also be a large number of rolling road closures in the city beginning on November 11 and continuing until the evening of November 13. This is to facilitate access to the Convention Centre and other city-centre locations by multiple heads of State.'