US embassy’s security plan sparks row

The US government wants to erect a new defence perimeter at its Dublin embassy — including a barrier almost 3m high and an outer cordon of 1m-high steel bollards — to protect staff from any likely terrorist attack.

However, Dublin City Council has told the embassy the railing proposed in its planning application was too high and would have to be lowered. The refusal has resulted in an appeal to Bord Pleanála.

The appeal, drafted by the US Department of State and embassy officials, cites the Boston bombing in its case for increased security to stop terrorists getting near the iconic Ballsbridge building.