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GARDAÍ HAVE OUTLINED a significant security operation in Dublin today as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy begins his first official visit to Ireland.
Zelenskyy and First Lady Olena Zelenska arrived at Dublin Airport late last night, where they were greeted by the Taoiseach.
Gardaí have advised the public to expect traffic disruption throughout the day across Dublin city, with rolling road closures in place for security escorts.
Chesterfield Avenue in the Phoenix Park will be closed between 10am and 1pm, as Zelenskyy is set to make a courtesy call to President Catherine Connolly at Áras an Uachtaráin.
Traffic restrictions will come into effect from 11am around Kildare Street, Merrion Street, Merrion Square and the Government Buildings area.
Zelenskyy has a series of engagements planned in Dublin, including a bilateral meeting between with Martin and a meeting with President Catherine Connolly in Áras an Uachtaráin.
He will also participate in a joint press appearance with the Taoiseach, an address to a sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas, and a later event focused on trade and economic cooperation hosted by the Department of Foreign Affairs.
St Stephen’s Green South and East, along with Leeson Street, will face restrictions from 3.30pm.
Travellers heading to Dublin Airport, particularly this evening, are being urged to allow extra time due to potential temporary closures on approach routes.
The Irish Aviation Authority said it had imposed the drone no-fly zone “for national security reasons” at the request of the Department of Justice.
The restriction commenced over the weekend and will remain in place until 6am tomorrow, more than 12 hours after the Ukrainian president’s scheduled departure.
Gardaí said the security plan is designed to keep disruption “minimal and localised”, but warned that measures may change at short notice for operational reasons.
They have also been liaising with residents, businesses and public transport providers in affected areas.
The visit comes as the government is expected to announce an additional funding in non-lethal military support for Ukraine and for urgent energy needs.
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