Huge security operation under way for Trump's visit to Ireland
Gardaí say this is one of the biggest security operations they have ever put in place.
**Major security operation underway for Trump’s Ireland visit**
The US president is due to arrive in Dublin on Saturday 12 September.
An Garda Síochána, the Irish police force, has said preparations for the US president’s trip to the Republic of Ireland amount to “one of the biggest security and policing operations” ever carried out by the force.
The operation has been declared an extraordinary event, and it will involve gardaí working 10,000 12-hour shifts from Friday through Sunday.
US President Donald Trump is expected to land at Dublin Airport aboard Air Force One on Saturday morning for a two-day visit.
Dublin and County Clare will face disruption and traffic restrictions.
Gardaí said they have spent recent weeks engaged in intensive and wide-ranging planning for the policing and security operation.
Two water cannon will be deployed from Northern Ireland.
Trump is due to arrive at Dublin Airport on Saturday 12 September.
He will spend the morning in Phoenix Park, where he will visit Ireland’s President Catherine Connolly at the Áras an Uachtaráin, the official residence, and Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House.
Trump is also expected to deliver a speech at US Ambassador Edward Walsh’s Deerfield Residence.
In the afternoon, he will fly to Shannon Airport in County Clare to attend the Irish Open at Trump International Golf Links in Doonbeg.
He is scheduled to depart from Shannon Airport on Sunday evening.
Because of the visit, Phoenix Park will remain closed to the public until the events are over.
That will mean closures for attractions including Dublin Zoo and the Magazine Fort.
Temporary traffic restrictions will be imposed on the M50 motorway, with the busiest periods expected between 08:00-09:00 and 12:00 -13:00 local time, between Junction 3 and 6.
Restrictions are already in place on perimeter roads around Dublin Airport and will stay in force until Saturday afternoon.
Flight and drone restrictions are also in effect around the airport and the Doonbeg golf course.
A temporary maritime exclusion zone, along with an associated outer control area, will operate in the waters off County Wicklow.
Gardaí said normal operations will continue at Dublin Airport and Shannon Airport throughout.
They said the public should allow extra time to reach the airport because of possible rolling road closures.
At Shannon Airport, there will be additional security screening, and passengers should have photo ID and valid flight documents ready for inspection.
Gardaí said access to the areas around Doonbeg village, Trump International Golf Links and Hotel Doonbeg, and the wider west Clare area will be restricted.
Access and traffic on the N67, between Clonadrum Cross (north) and Doonbeg (south), will be restricted from 11 September until the evening of Sunday 13 September.
Protest groups are expected at both Shannon Airport and in Doonbeg village.
Only people working at or attending the Irish Open will be permitted to access Trump International Golf Links and Hotel.
The event will be reachable only by park and ride bus transfers, with no parking or pedestrian access.
Airport-style security checks will be in place, and small bags will be allowed on site.
Gardaí said those attending should allow even more extra time to get there and move through ticket checks and search zones.