8,000 gardaí gear up for €30m Queen's visit

A massive security operation is kicking into action this weekend ahead of the arrival of Britian's Queen Elizabeth next week.

Up to 8,000 gardaí, assisted by members of the Defence Forces, will be deployed in Dublin, Kildare, Tipperary and Cork for the State visit.

Gardaí are closely monitoring the activities of dissident republicans and supporters of groups such as al-Qaida as part of the operation, which is estimated to cost around €30m.

Security prepartions are being finalised today for the four-day visit of Queen Elizabeth next week (Tuesday to Friday).

Superintendent John Gilligan from the Garda Press Office said it would be one of the largest operations undertaken by the force.

Gardaí will be carrying out periodic searches of pedestrians and vehicles at key locations for security reasons.

Dublin will remain open for business next week, allowing people to get to work and students get to college, gardaí said, but traffic restrictions will be imposed from tomorrow.

People are being urged to use public transport where possible as many of the main routes into Dublin City will be affected.

There will also be restrictions in Kildare, Tipperary and Cork later in the week, when the Queen visits.