Queen to cause city shutdown

THE GARDA intend to close streets across large areas of Dublin city, impose a no-parking zone on more than 50 roads for almost a week and conduct a stop-and-search operation on motorists and pedestrians as part of the security operation for the Queen’s visit.
One of the country’s biggest tourist attractions, Dublin Zoo, has been asked by the Garda to close for security reasons.
While the road closures and parking restrictions had been anticipated, the extent of disruption will surprise many.
During the four days of the Queen’s visit, between May 17th and 20th, the N7, N4 and M50 will be completely closed at times.
The closures will be announced in coming days.
The Phoenix Park, including Dublin Zoo, will also close during the same periods.
Gardaí also plan to shut down Dublin’s north and south quays and any adjacent bridges and streets for periods during the four-day period.
Exits on the M7/M9 motorway in Kildare will also be closed to accommodate the Queen’s visit to the National Stud on May 19th. While the motorway will not be closed, traffic will be slowed by gardaí at certain times.
Information is to be released today about road closures and related disruption that will be caused by the Queen’s visit to Cork and Tipperary and the visit to Dublin and Tipperary by US president Barack Obama.
From this Saturday until Friday week, a network of more than 50 streets in Dublin city will have a complete parking ban because of the Queen’s visit. Crowd control barriers will be erected along many of the streets and pedestrians will only be permitted to cross at designated points.
The affected areas cover some of the busiest parts of the city including O’Connell Street, Grafton Street, College Green, St Stephens Green, Nassau Street and Pearse Street.
Officers on foot will stop and search people and those questioned will be asked to indicate their destination. Checkpoints will also be set up and motorists will be questioned. Road users will also be asked to explain the purpose of their journey.
Details released yesterday concerning road closures and restrictions relate mainly to the Queen’s visit. Similar checks for Mr Obama’s visit, on May 23rd and 24th, are not being released until a later date due to security reasons.
Traffic restrictions for the Uefa Europa League Final at the Aviva stadium, Dublin, on May 18th, when the Queen will be here, will also be outlined in days ahead.
Similarly, traffic restrictions when the Republic of Ireland plays Northern Ireland in a soccer international at the Aviva on May 24th, when Mr Obama is here, will be revealed at a later date.
The Garda traffic, public order and security operation during the visits and soccer games extends to May 28th, when the Kings of Leon play Slane Castle, Co Meath.
Garda HQ said specific details as to where and when traffic controls and road closures will occur will be communicated soon.
This information will be communicated mainly through the media and information will be supplied by the Garda to media outlets hourly during periods of maximum disruption.
The force has urged people to use public transport where possible, though they have warned that even bus timetables will be disrupted.
Gardaí are also encouraging people to allow for delays, anticipate traffic congestion and plan for significant parking restrictions.