Airport-style security measures to be in place

STRICT and intense security measures will be in place today for the visit of US President Barack Obama.

There were suggestions yesterday the president may give his public address in Dublin from behind bullet-proof glass — although this could not be officially confirmed.

Machinery could be seen lifting what appeared to be bullet-proof glass into place on College Green yesterday.

An estimated 30,000 or so people who are expected to witness Mr Obama’s address outside Trinity College will be subject to airport-style security and screening by garda specialist units and US secret service agents.

Initial indications suggest there may be only six airport-style walk-through scanning machines at the sole public entrance point, at the junction of Dame Street and Parliament Street.

Some garda sources involved in the operation said that “hopefully” there will be more scanners to cope with the crowds.

People are warned to arrive early and expect long delays for the security process. They are also advised not to bring bags, bottles, umbrellas, buggies, banners, laptops or any large equipment. Small cameras will be allowed.

The event kicks off at 3pm and Mr Obama is expected around 5-5.30pm.

Gardaí are not expecting any aggressive protests and are not concerned at reports that some protesters plan to disrupt Mr Obama’s speech ten minutes in by shouting anti-war messages.

Gardaí and the Defence Forces completely surrounded Dublin Airport yesterday in advance of the arrival of Air Force One at 9.30am.

Dame Street was closed yesterday and from 6am today all pedestrian access on or near Dame Street/College Street will be closed, with closures on the quays and O’Connell Street.

The Air Corp’s seven Pilatus PC-9M aircraft will police air space this morning for the arrival of Air Force One.

They will also protect the president’s helicopter, Marine One, as it flies the president to the Phoenix Park after arrival and on his visit to and from Moneygall, Co Offaly.

Ground radar systems, complimented by anti-aircraft missiles and guns, will provide an “air defence umbrella” during the entire visit. The Navy will be patrolling the East coast, conducting surveillance of marine movements.

Garda sources said the president is expected to “press flesh” in Moneygall on a walkabout.

US Secret Service agents, backed by the Garda’s elite Emergency Response Unit (ERU), will provide close quarter protection. There are separate teams in Dublin and Moneygall.

Up to 8,000 gardaí will be on duty, working in two 12-hours shifts, including 300 members of the Special Detective Unit (SDU) and 60 members of the ERU.

Around 25 of the ERU are trained marksmen and will be positioned on rooftops and key locations.

Up to 250 members of the Secret Service and other security personnel are here.

The security screening will be operated by uniformed gardaí, in conjunction with SDU officers. US Secret Service agents will also be present.

Plain clothes SDU “spotters”, and US Secret Service agents will mingle in the crowd.