Details of traffic restrictions for Michelle Obama's visit next week

Private Visit of First Lady Michelle Obama

17^th – 18^th June 2013

Dublin 2 Area

On Monday and Tuesday the 17^th and 18^th June 2013 there will be a security operation and a traffic management plan in place in and around the Dublin 2 area. We would like to advise people that Dublin City Centre remains open for business but we would recommend that people would:

-         plan their journeys in advance,

-         leave more time for their journey than usual,

-         use public transport where possible,

-         check information on the Garda website, public transport companies, local authorities etc.

We want to thank the community for their assistance, understanding and cooperation. We are also grateful to local authorities, other government bodies and public transport companies for working with us. Our aim is to ensure that any restrictions on traffic are kept to a minimum with the least about of disruption possible.  We are particularly mindful of second and third level exams taking place in schools and colleges in Dublin City Centre and we have liaised with local colleges and schools in the area.  Those students sitting exams should allow extra time for their journey and An Garda Síochána wish them well in their exams.

Traffic Arrangements

• Kildare Street will be closed to through traffic from 6pm Sunday the 16^th June until Tuesday evening the 18^th June 2013.  Access to local premises will be facilitated.  Local businesses have been informed by Gardaí.
  • Local traffic diversions will be in place. Effected Dublin Bus routes will re-join their routes via Hume Street/St. Stephen’s Green or Merrion Square East. Please see Dublin Bus website www.dublinbus.ie for further details.
  • Local parking restrictions will be in place on St. Stephen’s Green East & North and Molesworth Street from 6pm Sunday the 16^th of June until Tuesday evening the 18^th June 2013.
  • Temporary rolling road closure may be in the effect for a short time in the area to facilitate VIP movement during the visit on Monday & Tuesday the 17^th & 18^th of June 2013.

Please contact your bus or public transport provider in relation to any route or time changes which may come into effect during this time. Dart and Luas services are not expected to be effected.

In the event of any protest, our focus will be to facilitate peaceful protest and ensure the safety of all concerned.  Gardaí would urge any organisation that plan to protest to contact the Superintendent in Pearse Street Garda Station in advance in order to facilitate their peaceful protest.

Further traffic updates will be provided on our website www.garda.ie and Twitter account @gardatraffic

A Garda spokesperson is available for interview in relation to traffic arrangements by emailing pressoffice@garda.ie