Issue Date: 9th October 2023
The Government will present the Budget 2024 on Tuesday, 10th October 2023 in Dáil Éireann.
Budget day traditionally involves public gatherings in the environs of Government Buildings.
There is a constitutional right to the freedom of assemble and freedom of speech, subject to statutory provisions.
These freedoms extend to some levels of disruption / obstruction of footpaths, streets, and/or roads, and expressing opinions that not every person agrees with or accepts, provided it is reasonable and proportionate, and limited in its extent and duration.
An Garda Síochána is obliged to respect the right for all citizens to exercise their constitutional rights.
An Garda Síochána acknowledges that at the vast majority of public gatherings disorder or anti-social behaviour is not anticipated, and that the majority of those present will be law abiding.
Any Garda activity in relation to public gatherings is based on a graduated policing response taking into account relevant legislation and public safety.
An Garda Síochána will put in place an appropriate and proportionate policing plan to manage any public gatherings on the 10th October 2023.
From 19.00hrs on Monday 9th October 2023 & until approximately 02.00hrs on Wednesday 11th October 2023 road closures will take place on the following streets:
- Kildare Street,
- Molesworth Street,
- Merrion Street Upper,
- Merrion Square West,
- Merrion Square South.
Dublin City Centre remains open for normal business. Appropriate diversions will be in place and the public are requested to make appropriate changes to their commute/ travel plans.
Additional rolling road closures to and from Kildare Street/ Merrion Square areas may be implemented, if required, for operational reasons.
Vehicle access to the Government Buildings complex has been notified directly to affected persons.
Pedestrian access within the Garda cordon will be facilitated at cordon points. Identification may be required.
Over the duration of this Garda operation, approximately 200 members of An Garda Síochána (all ranks) will be deployed. This will include primarily unarmed frontline uniform Gardaí, supported by plainclothes personnel, resources from the Garda National Public Order Unit (including Peaceful Crowd Management resources), Roads Policing Units, and specialist services such as Garda Dog Unit.
