Focus on 'fixated individuals' and 'external threats' for Donald Trump visit

Members of the Garda water unit check ponds and waterways in the vicinity of Áras an Uachtaráin and Farmleigh House in advance of Donald Trump’s arrival this weekend. Picture: Colin Keegan/Collins

Disruptive protests from fringe extreme elements and “interference” from hostile foreign states are among the main threats security services are braced for during this weekend’s visit of US president Donald Trump to Ireland.

It comes as investigations continue into the possible sighting by a commercial pilot of what has been described as a large black drone off the Co Wicklow coast on Tuesday.

While there are some reports it might actually have been a small private jet, inquiries are still being conducted.

Security sources have told the Irish Examiner that there have been “multiple” reports of drone sightings since the EU presidency started, on July 1, and that almost all are “innocent or not drones at all”.

They stress that gardaí and the Defence Forces have counter-drone technology that is “up to EU standards” in terms of monitoring, jamming, and, if necessary, destroying suspect drones.

The Garda policing and security operation is being conducted out of India Base at Garda HQ for the Dublin leg of the visit and out of Charlie Base in Cork for the Clare and Shannon end.

The Defence Forces joint task force is providing gardaí with the assets it requested and has a dedicated representative at both Garda operational centres.

It is understood the US secret service is connected to both control rooms.

Mr Trump is expected to arrive on Saturday morning aboard Air Force One and fly by US Marine One Helicopter, under military escort, to Phoenix Park, where his movements will all be within a short radius.

He is first due to go to Áras an Uachtaráin for a brief encounter with President Catherine Connolly, followed by a formal meeting with Taoiseach Micheál Martin at Farmleigh House and back to the American Embassy.

Mr Trump will fly in the afternoon to his Doonbeg Hotel in Co Clare, where the Irish Open is due to finish on Sunday. 

The president will stay overnight on Saturday and leave later on Sunday.

Policing levels in both Dublin and Clare will be high, with sources describing it as “a major national operation” in terms of policing and security.

The analysis of the threat situation is understood to have been going on for many months. 

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly previously declared the visit as an “extraordinary event”, cancelling all Garda leave and rest days.

Sources said there has been a “significant focus” on public order policing for the visit and that all aspects — from command, to training

President Donald Trump will stay overnight in his Doonbeg resort on Staurday. Picture:Jacquelyn Martin/AP

, to resources — have been developed ahead of the EU presidency.

Gardaí expect the majority of protests to be entirely peaceful. 

The biggest protest on Saturday afternoon has been called by opposition parties and advocacy groups, including Ireland Palestine Solidarity Campaign.

Security and policing units will be paying closer attention to small groups on the far left who may try and cause disruption and confrontation with either police or other protesters.

It is also thought likely that a small number of individuals from the far right may demonstrate “in support” of Mr Trump's visit and potentially clash with left-wing protesters or police.

“A key focus is on fringe extreme elements,” one source said, who they expected to “go beyond” what is allowed under Irish and European laws.

Intelligence resources are being placed on potential threats including on “fixated individuals, extremists and external threats”.

Hostile states posing a potential threat include Russia and, possibly, Iran, but the range of potentially disruptive agitators online, mainly on the far-right, includes the US and Britain.

Sources said the intention of hostile external states is “interference and disruptions”, including through cyber incidents or drone incursions.

Both An Garda Síochána and the Defence Forces will share intelligence on this and each will be in contact with sister agencies abroad.

• Cormac O’Keeffe, Security Correspondent