TRAFFIC RESTRICTIONS ARE in place in Wicklow because EU defence and foreign affairs ministers are meeting in Druids Glen this week.<\/p>\n
The informal meetings are taking place over three days, from 31 August to 2 September, as Ireland plays host while holding the presidency of the Council of the European Union.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The attendees will be arriving today and tomorrow but there will be no disruptions to operations at Dublin Airport, a garda spokesperson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Roads adjacent to the Druids Glen Hotel and Golf Resort, including Woodstock Road, Creowen Road, Leabeg Lane, Kilmullin Lane, Kilquade Hill Road and the R772 (Killadrennan) will have traffic restrictions.<\/p>\n
\u201cAn Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na is facilitating access for local residents and businesses. An Garda S\u00edoch\u00e1na has been in contact with affected premises,\u201d the spokesperson said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThere may be limited garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts in the area.\u201d<\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed are asking members of the public to follow instructions when encountering road closures.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed have said they are working to ensure that the policing and security operation \u201cis proportionate to protect everyone\u2019s safety\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of garda\u00ed, and we thank them for their cooperation,\u201d garda\u00ed said.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cOperational plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons.\u201d<\/p>\n
Airspace restrictions are also in place, which include limitations on the flying of drones.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Garda\u00ed said drone pilots should check the Irish Aviation Authority website<\/a> to check the restrictions.<\/p>\n There is also an exclusion zone, as well as restrictions in an \u201couter control area\u201d, in the waters off the coast of Wicklow.<\/p>\n This marine notice is issued solely to advise mariners of navigational restrictions arising from that temporary maritime exclusion zone and associated outer control area. At the meetings this week, the Russian invasion of Ukraine is likely high on the agenda.\u00a0<\/p>\n Last week, Taoiseach Miche\u00e1l Martin said that one of Ireland\u2019s priorities<\/a> during the EU Presidency is to \u201cunequivocally back Ukraine as its people continue to courageously face down brutal Russian attacks\u201d.<\/p>\n The government has also said that it will continue to support Ukraine\u2019s application to join the EU.\u00a0<\/p>\n Albania, Moldova and Montenegro are also in the process of trying to join the bloc.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Marine notices are issued for maritime safety and navigation reasons.<\/p>\n