Garda Information regarding VIP visits and Events during May 2011

A number of high profile VIP visits and major events are due to take place at various locations around the country during the month of May.

These will primarily be focused on Dublin City, Cork City, and Counties Tipperary, Kildare and Meath and include:<_o3a_p>

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Ø      State Visit to Ireland by H.M. Queen Elizabeth II and H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh: 17-20 May 2011<_o3a_p>

Ø      Visit to Ireland of US President Barack Obama: 23-24 May 2011<_o3a_p>

Ø      UEFA Europa League Final: Aviva Stadium, Wednesday 18 May 2011<_o3a_p>

Ø      Republic of Ireland v. Northern Ireland:  Aviva Stadium, Tuesday 24 May 2011<_o3a_p>

Ø      Slane Concert (Kings of Leon)  28 May 2011<_o3a_p>

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Comprehensive policing plans are in place for all of these events to meet the public safety, security and traffic requirements associated with them.<_o3a_p>

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Over the next two weeks Gardai will issue information to the public on an ongoing basis in respect of each event and location, including details of any traffic and parking restrictions, diversions and/or road closures and crowd safety advice. <_o3a_p>

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Our priority is to ensure the safety and security of all individuals and members of the public attending events as well as keeping commuters and general traffic moving and commercial activity operating as normal. We are working with local traders and businesses to minimise disruption to their workers and customers and are liaising closely with all of our partner agencies, including local councils and public transport companies.<_o3a_p>

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In addition to providing specific detail on each location at the appropriate times, An Garda Síochána is issuing the following general information and advice to members of the public:<_o3a_p>

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The visits of HM Queen Elizabeth II and of the President of the United States will involve substantial security operations. As a result the public can expect traffic and parking restrictions, diversions and/or road closures in the vicinity of any location which is on their respective itineraries. These restrictions will commence in advance of the visits. Following on from local consultation with business and residents in the key areas, a process of public notification of affected areas commences today and will continue over the next ten days (please see below). <_o3a_p>

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Commuters should use public transport where possible. There will be changes and modifications to some public transport routes and these will be notified by the public transport operators. The public is asked to check information available from the public transport companies (Dublin Bus, Luas, Irish Rail, Bus Éireann) for updates on routes and timetables closer to their journey times. <_o3a_p>

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Any private and commercial vehicles seeking to access Dublin city centre may face delays and they may also encounter parking restrictions when they reach their destination. Private and commercial vehicles seeking to cross the city are encouraged to use the existing orbital routes and also to follow diversions.<_o3a_p>

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Pedestrians in city centres will be limited to crossing streets and roads at designated crossing points due to the erection of barriers along key routes. In addition, pedestrians may for security reasons be subject to search by members of An Garda Síochána at specific points.<_o3a_p>

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In addition members of the public should confirm appointments or check opening hours of any destinations in public buildings prior to travelling.<_o3a_p>

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Gardaí will maintain a high, visible presence across the next two weeks to assist members of the public who wish to view the visits and/or attend events and to minimise disruption to workers, shoppers, students and visitors to the city centre. We would ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of gardaí and we thank them in advance for their cooperation.<_o3a_p>

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Traffic management information will be available in the following formats:<_o3a_p>

Ø      Press releases<_o3a_p>

Ø      Garda website<_o3a_p>

Ø      Garda Facebook page<_o3a_p>

Ø      @gardatraffic on Twitter<_o3a_p>

Ø      Variable Message Signs (VMS) <_o3a_p>

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Note for Editors<_o3a_p>

A separate press release will issue shortly providing some initial general information and advice together with an overview of traffic management for aspects of the visit of HM Queen Elizabeth II (17-20 May) which involve Dublin and Kildare. <_o3a_p>

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A press briefing will be held at 12 noon on Friday, 13 May 2011 in the Coach House, Dublin Castle which will provide some further information on traffic management and public transport details for the period 16 May to 20 May.<_o3a_p>

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Further updates on the various events will be provided as per the timetable below. Hourly traffic updates for Dublin will be provided during the VIP visits.<_o3a_p>

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<_o3a_p>Garda Press Office

<_o3a_p>11th May 2011  3.55pm