Dublin summits: What are the European meetings and how will they affect the city?

Around 50 European leaders will gather in Dublin, with major security measures and transport restrictions affecting the capital

Members of the Garda Armed Support Unit outside the National Gallery in Dublin as more than 50 world leaders will visit Dublin for the European Political Community (EPC) summit on Thursday, followed by an informal meeting of the EU Council on Friday. Photo: Niall Carson/Press Association

Dublin is set to become the centre of European politics for a couple of days as Ireland hosts two major international summits.

While the public at large may not hang on every word uttered at the meetings, residents of the capital are set for major disruptions.

What exactly is happening and what can we expect in Dublin?

What are the two meetings and why are they in Ireland?

As to the why, in short; because Ireland holds the presidency of the EU. As to the what; first up, on Thursday, Dublin hosts the European Political Community summit, or EPC. 

Established in 2022 after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the EPC as a Europe-wide group "aims to foster political dialogue and co-operation to address issues of common interest, and to strengthen the security, stability and prosperity of the European continent".

Thursday's summit brings together around 50 leaders from across Europe, including EU and non-EU countries, to discuss some of the continent's biggest challenges — from the war in Ukraine and European security to energy, economic competitiveness and international co-operation.

On Friday comes an informal meeting of the European Council — the leaders of all 27 EU member states discussing the union's strategic priorities. The meeting will be chaired by the president of the European Council, António Costa.

The meeting in Dublin will have a strategic discussion on Artificial Iintelligence, the first such discussion among EU leaders. It will focus on the opportunities of AI and how it can help drive Europe’s competitiveness as well as the societal impacts, risks and the safety of AI.

What's happening on the security end?

This is a significant diplomatic moment for Ireland and the security operation reflects that. Gardaí describe it as the largest policing and security operation in the State's history. 

More than 15,000 12-hour Garda duty shifts are planned, with armed units, public order teams, specialist search teams, drone detection technology and support from the Defence Forces.

There are also security cordons around the Convention Centre and National Gallery, restrictions on parts of the city centre, and temporary closures affecting roads, public transport and the Liffey.

A wider security cordon and extended traffic management cordon will be established around the Convention Centre until Friday evening.

Samuel Beckett Bridge will be closed to traffic, with north/south traffic across the bridge being diverted from approach roads.

Members of the Garda Water Unit carry out security checks outside the Convention Centre in Dublin ahead of the upcoming meeting of the European Political Community (EPC) on Thursday.

Traffic movements will also be restricted within an area bounded by Amiens Street, Seville Place/ Sheriff Street Upper, East Wall Road, and North Wall Quay.

Access to residents and businesses will remain open, with security checks. Gardaí say engagement has taken place with residents and businesses directly affected by the security cordon.

The message for Dubliners is to expect disruption, plan ahead and allow extra time.

For Ireland, it's a major opportunity to put itself at the heart of European diplomacy — but for the city, it's going to be a very busy few days.

• Paul Hosford, deputy political editor