Commuters are being warned to expect significant Dublin traffic disruption next week as gardaí roll out what is being described as the largest policing and security operation in the history of the State. Details released on Wednesday, 4 November, show road closures, Luas cuts and bus diversions will hit the city from Tuesday, 10 November, to Friday, 13 November, while two major EU presidency summits take place.
Why the city is shutting down
Around 50 European leaders are due at the Convention Centre Dublin on North Wall Quay on Thursday, 12 November, for a meeting of the European Political Community, followed by a dinner that evening at the National Gallery of Ireland on Merrion Square. On Friday, 13 November, EU heads of state and government hold an informal meeting at the same venue. RTÉ said the gatherings are the largest meetings of heads of state or government ever held in Ireland.
Dublin City Council has warned of “major and prolonged traffic disruption” for anyone travelling to the city, Dublin Airport or Dublin Port across the four days, RTÉ reported.
Dublin traffic disruption: day by day
- Tuesday 10 November: A security cordon goes up around the Convention Centre from 7am. North Wall Quay, between Guild Street and New Wapping Street, closes to traffic and pedestrians until Friday evening.
- Wednesday 11 November: A cordon goes up around the National Gallery from 7am, with possible restrictions near hotels used by delegations. From 8pm, Samuel Beckett Bridge closes, the Mayor Square and Spencer Dock Luas stops shut, and traffic is restricted in the area bounded by Amiens Street, Seville Place/Sheriff Street Upper, East Wall Road and North Wall Quay.
- Thursday 12 November: Traffic restrictions around Baggot Street, Fitzwilliam Street, Merrion Square North, Clare Street and Kildare Street from 7am to midnight, with significant road closures expected between 3pm and 7pm. Buses will be diverted away from Merrion Square, and the Luas red line will not run east of Busáras/Connolly.
- Friday 13 November: The Luas red line cut continues, and Docklands restrictions stay in place until the evening.
Residents and businesses inside the cordons will keep access, subject to security checks, according to The Irish Times. The National Transport Authority says buses will be diverted off the quays east of the Custom House throughout the four days, affecting stops around Connolly and the south-east city centre.
Airports and outer routes
Delegations will fly into Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnell. Expect extra garda patrols on the airport’s perimeter roads, including the Naul Road, R108, R132 and Old Airport Road, traffic restrictions at Dunbro between the R108 and R122, and further measures on the roads around Casement.
What gardaí are asking
Gardaí said they had spent weeks planning with local authorities and transport operators and were trying to keep the operation proportionate and limit the impact on the public, while accepting disruption is inevitable. People are being asked to leave extra time, check public transport updates and follow garda instructions. The council is urging people to walk, cycle or use public transport where they can.
The summits could be further complicated by the threatened public sector strike on 12 November, which unions are still planning unless talks on a new pay deal make progress. Either way, anyone heading into the city centre next week should plan for Dublin traffic disruption well in advance.
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Sources: The Irish Times, RTÉ News, Irish Examiner
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