In a significant development, the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) will collaborate with Irish police, gardaí, and international law enforcement agencies to secure two major European Union (EU) meetings in Dublin this week. This operation, set to be the largest in the history of the republic, will involve officers from Latvia, Portugal, and other international forces, although they will not directly engage in frontline policing. The European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday and the informal meeting of the European Council on Friday promise to cause significant travel and traffic disruptions due to the attendance of around 50 international leaders.
The Republic of Ireland has been chairing the EU presidency since July 1st, a role it will maintain until December 31st. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly acknowledged that the upcoming events would present challenging circumstances for the gardaí but expressed confidence in their preparedness. The police force has coordinated extensively with local authorities, transport companies, businesses, and residents in key locations to ensure a smooth and secure operation.
Traffic disruptions are expected across Dublin, particularly between 13:00 local time on Wednesday, 11th November, and 23:00 on the same day, as well as during peak hours on Thursday, 12th November, and Friday, 13th November. The M50 motorway and Dublin Port Tunnel are expected to remain unaffected. Security measures will be in place at both Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome, with arrivals and departures for these events taking place at these locations. Additionally, the highest impact of traffic restrictions will occur during the arrival and departure times of political leaders on 11th, 12th, and 13th November.
Former One Direction singer Niall Horan's performances at the 3Arena from 9th to 13th November will take place outside of the security cordon for this operation. However, east/west traffic on North Wall Quay will be restricted from the 10th to the 13th November. Luas operations will continue as normal on the 10th November 2026, but there will be restrictions in place at Dunbro between R108 and R122. Access to aircraft viewing stands adjacent to Dublin Airport will also be restricted during this period. Casement Aerodrome at Baldonnel, the Irish military airbase, will see heads of state or government arrive and depart, with the highest level of disruption expected on the same days and times as the political leaders' arrivals and departures at Dublin Airport.