Limerick faces traffic restrictions as EU ministers gather for two-day meeting

A number of road closures and drone restrictions are in place as a meeting of EU ministers is taking place over two days in Limerick.

A number of road closures and drone restrictions are in place as a meeting of EU ministers is taking place over two days in Limerick.

The informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for telecommunications forms part of the Presidency of the Council of the EU.

The events begin this Monday with a gala dinner at Adare Manor to take place in the evening and will continue until Tuesday evening.

A garda spokesperson said the attendees will arrive and depart through Shannon, Cork and Dublin airports on Monday and Tuesday, but that normal operations will continue at all times.

The events will be concentrated at the University of Limerick, the Strand Hotel and Adare Manor.

A garda spokesperson said traffic restrictions will be "kept to the minimum required" and that it is intended that any impact on the public will be localised. 

"Members of the public are asked to comply with gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any escort rolling road closure," the spokesperson added. 

This Monday, there will be localised temporary traffic restrictions and garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts from 6.30pm to 7.45pm between Limerick city centre/Ennis Road in Limerick city and Adare.

On Tuesday, traffic restrictions will be in place on O’Callaghan Strand between 6am and 9am, but local access will be permitted.

To facilitate security escorts between 7am and 9am on Tuesday, localised temporary traffic restrictions will be in place on the following roadways – N18 (Limerick Tunnel), M7 motorway, Ballysimon Road (M7 Interchange Exit 29), Groody Road, Plassey Park Road.

Meanwhile, restrictions will also be in place on the grounds of the University of Limerick, particularly on the roadways leading to and from the UL arena.

“An Garda Síochána is working to ensure that the nature and scale of the policing and security operation for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is proportionate to protect everyone’s safety.

“Our objective is to continue to share as much information with the public where necessary as soon as we are in a position to do so. 

“We ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of Gardaí, and we thank them for their co-operation,” said a Garda spokesperson.

They added operational plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons, and that further updates will be provided to the public.

Drone restrictions are also in place at venues hosting EU Presidency events. 

Any breaches of TRAs (temporary restricted airspace) and geographical zones will be subject to investigation by An Garda Síochána and the IAA, the spokesperson said. 

Interim provost and deputy president of UL, professor Ann Ledwith, sent an email to students to outline departments and schools have been encouraged to facilitate online teaching where possible.