Limerick motorists warned of 'rolling road closures' ahead of Trump visit
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Gardai say motorists can expect temporary closures in Clare and in the environs of Limerick city
GARDAI are warning Limerick road users of potential rolling road closures over the coming days as the country prepares for a visit by American President Donald Trump.
They say the policing and security operation for the visit of the 47th President of the United States of America will be one of the biggest policing and security operations implemented by An Garda Síochána.
A spokesperson says the majority of traffic restrictions will be in-and-around Dublin and Clare but that some restrictions may also apply on the N18 Limerick - Shannon road and in the environs of Limerick city.
Any restrictions will be to “facilitate security escorts” over the course of September 11, 12, and 13.
“We would ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of Gardaí and we thank them for their continuing co-operation,” the spokesperson added.
“In general the public is advised to leave extra time for their journeys and to expect some localised delays.”
While President Trump is due to land at Shannon Airport on Saturday afternoon, a spokesperson for the airport says it will remain fully operational throughout the weekend but that passengers are advised to allow additional time when travelling to and from the airport.
Ahead of the visit, US aircraft and elements of President Trump’s motorcade has been spotted arriving in Shannon Airport in recent days.
Five US Air Force C-17 Globemasters, large planes understood to be delivering heavily-armoured vehicles for Trump’s secret service, were spotted arriving in Ireland.
Four US Army CH-47 Chinooks also landed in Shannon, having been previously seen in Liverpool and Dublin. These are heavy-lifting helicopters that will likely transport members of Donald Trump’s staff and security.
An Garda Siochana and the Defense Forces say they will have a strong presence around Shannon during the visit. Explosive Ordinance Disposal vehicles, among others, have been seen making their way towards the airport.
Gardaí say they are “working to ensure that the nature and scale of our policing and security operation continues to be proportionate to the need to protect everyone’s safety.
“Our objective is to share as much information with the public as soon as we are in a position to do so.”