High security, low visibility for Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit at EU ceremony

The leader of Ukraine flew into Baldonnel airbase and was escorted by the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) into Dublin City. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins

While the trappings of a high-security operation were there, it was close to a normal summer’s day.

Bunches of uniformed gardaí gathered at all the intersections approaching Dublin Castle. Their demeanour was relaxed, and they chatted and laughed with bemused tourists.

“President Zelenskyy is here,” explained one garda to a curious visitor, pointing to Dublin Castle.

The leader of Ukraine flew into Baldonnel airbase and was escorted by the Garda Emergency Response Unit (ERU) into Dublin City.

Leading the escort was the new garda armoured truck, bought as part of preparations for the EU presidency.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at Dublin Castle at around 2pm, where ceremonies marking the beginning of the Irish presidency of the EU were being held.

The armoured truck parked outside the main entrance but back from Dame St.

Earlier, there was a short protest highlighting Palestine, attracting around 100 people, but gardaí blocked its progress up Dame St, passed the junction of George’s St, and protesters dispersed peacefully.

Outside the walled enclave of Dublin Castle, life continued as normal. While the uniformed presence was noticeable, it was not intrusive.

The section of Dame St approaching Dublin Castle was only blocked to traffic coming into the city centre, but it operated as normal on the way out.

Cyclists, couriers, and taxis were free to travel down the restricted side of the road.

On nearby pedestrianised Parliament St, people sat on benches while others sipped pints outside pubs.

An armed support unit vehicle parked discreetly in a laneway opposite the main entrance to Dublin Castle as another jeep drove around the area. At least two public order unit vans also circulated.

Volodymyr Zelenskyy arrived at Dublin Castle at around 2pm, where ceremonies marking the beginning of the Irish presidency of the EU were being held. Picture: Sam Boal/Collins photos

There were spotters-come-marksmen from the emergency response unit standing at the top of one of the Dublin Castle buildings at the entrance, with a clear view of any potential threat.

Scattered outside and inside the gates were a number of heavily armed uniformed members of the armed support unit.

At key approaches to Dublin Castle, gardaí had “hostile vehicle mitigation” measures in place, including swing barriers and a triangle of red bollards, the front of which immobilises the chassis of a vehicle.

Above, the new garda surveillance aircraft and garda helicopter patrolled the skies and fed footage into the central control room.

One source said: “It’s a big day. A good start will be important to settle everyone.”

Another source said: “The EU presidency was building. Now the first day has come and gone without major incident. It’s gone as good as it could really.”

Today, the focus turns to Cork. EU commissioners will gather for a cultural event and dinner at night, with formal meetings tomorrow.

• Cormac O'Keefe is Security Correspondent.