Security operation underway in Cork as UCC prepares to host EU commissioners
Postgraduate students in UCC were warned to remove any books they may need from the main library this week in advance and to use the Brookfield Health Sciences Complex library if they need to study. File picture: Dan Linehan
A major security operation is underway in Cork for the visit of EU Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to mark the opening of Ireland’s six-month EU presidency this week.
University College Cork (UCC), which will host most of the EU presidency events due to take place in Cork this week, will be locked down on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, with staff and students told to work from home.
Thorough security sweeps are to take place across UCC on Wednesday, ahead of the arrival of EU commissioners on Thursday.
Tactical commander for roads policing of the events in Cork, Superintendent Gary McPolin said that there would be some rolling road closures on the south side of the city, particularly around UCC on Thursday and Friday.
Parking restrictions will also be in place over these days around the UCC area. He appealed for the public to have patience with any traffic inconveniences.
However, he promised that gardaí have been preparing for these events for months and that every effort would be made to minimise any inconveniences for the public.
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Holding the EU presidency and hosting some of the first events in Cork is very positive for the city and would be an opportunity to give the EU commissioners a 'céad mile fáilte,' Supt McPolin said.
The hospitals and the HSE have been warned of any rolling road closures in Cork in advance.
Drone restrictions and no fly zones will be in place at all venues hosting EU presidency events, including in UCC this week.
Detection systems will also be in place to identify drones flying in restricted areas and the drone pilot. Breaches of flight restrictions are subject to investigation by gardaí and the Irish Aviation Authority (IAA).
The State has invested significantly in drone and anti-drone capabilities, which has included collaboration with domestic and international experts in this technology, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly said.
Ireland has also learned more widely from international security experts ahead of taking the EU presidency, Mr Kelly said.
Postgraduate students in UCC were warned to remove any books they may need from the main library this week in advance and to use the Brookfield Health Sciences Complex library if they need to study.
The official opening ceremony of the Irish presidency of the Council of the European Union 2026 will take place on Wednesday in Dublin Castle. Ms von der Leyen will then visit Cork on Thursday and Friday. All 27 EU commissioners are also to be in Cork this week for meetings.
More than 250 events will take place across the country throughout the six-month presidency, which ends on December 31. Dublin Castle will host the majority of events.
A policing and security operation is currently in place at Dublin Castle and will remain in place for the duration of the Presidency, Garda Headquarters said.
Irish politicians expected to attend this week’s meetings in Cork include Taoiseach Micheal Martin, Tánaiste Simon Harris and foreign affairs minister Helen McEntee.
Ireland will hold the presidency and help to direct policy for the EU's 450m citizens. It is Ireland’s eighth time to hold the presidency.
The Taoiseach has said that Ireland is taking the presidency at a critical time for the EU, with greater uncertainty and unpredictability in the world.
“We commit to doing a good job for the EU and its citizens, and we will work throughout our term to make the Union more prosperous and more secure, and to uphold our shared fundamental values," Mr Martin said.
“Economic prosperity is what enables the European Union to achieve its policy goals.
The Irish Presidency will focus on increasing Europe’s competitiveness by simplifying regulation for businesses and citizens; deepening the single market; championing fair and open trade; reducing energy prices and decarbonising the economy; and driving the AI and digital transformation for the benefit of all, Mr Martin said.
Online safety for children will be another major focus of Ireland’s presidency.
Meanwhile, staff and Students at UCC will hold a public protest on Thursday from 12pm – 2pm outside the main gates at the Donovan’s Rd entrance to UCC during the visit of the EU College of Commissioners.
Organisers say the demonstration is intended to send a clear message to the EU to do more to uphold international law and protect civilians in Gaza and occupied Palestinian territories.
The protest comes amid continuing international concern over the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
A spokesperson for UCC Staff Together for Palestine, Ciarán Dawson, said: “As staff and students, we cannot remain silent while an entire education system and population is being destroyed.
"Universities should be places that uphold human rights, academic freedom and international law. The destruction of schools, universities and the killing of thousands of students and educational personnel is an attack on Palestine’s future. We are gathering peacefully to call on the EU to uphold the principles it says it stands for and to take meaningful action to protect Palestinian lives.”
Organisers say the protest is open to all members of the public who wish to stand in solidarity with the people of Gaza and to call for accountability under international law.
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