More than 1,000 members of An Garda Síochána will be on duty across the Dublin Metropolitan Region tomorrow as part of an extensive policing plan for St Patrick’s Festival celebrations.
Large crowds are expected to gather in the capital for the National St Patrick’s Day Parade, which begins at midday.
Frontline uniformed officers will be supported by plain clothes personnel, public order units, armed support units and specialist resources including the Garda Dog Unit and Mounted Unit.
There will also be a voluntary restriction on off-licence alcohol sales in the city centre until after 4pm.
The policing operation will be coordinated from an operational control room at the Dublin Regional Communications Centre.
The parade will start at Parnell Square North before travelling down O’Connell Street, crossing O’Connell Bridge and continuing through the south inner city before finishing at the junction of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street.
Those attending will assemble beforehand at Western Way and disperse afterwards at St Stephen’s Green West.
A number of rolling road closures and traffic restrictions will be introduced across the city centre from early morning to facilitate the parade.
Parking will not be permitted along the parade route and any vehicles left there will be towed.
Traffic will generally be diverted via the North Circular Road and South Circular Road while closures are in place, although local access to affected streets will be facilitated where possible.
Gardaí are advising those attending the parade to arrive early, plan their journey in advance and consider using public transport or park-and-ride facilities.
Parents are also being urged to supervise children closely in large crowds and ensure they have the contact details of a responsible adult.
Motorists travelling into or through the city have been advised to plan their journey in advance, follow all road signage and ensure vehicles are parked legally so that emergency services and residents are not obstructed.
Acting Assistant Garda Commissioner Jonathan Roberts said the St Patrick's weekend is "our national celebration of being Irish".
"We welcome the thousands of visitors from Ireland and abroad to Dublin for the National St Patrick’s Day Festival parade," he said.
"This is a family-friendly event and families, parents, children and visitors to Ireland and Dublin City are encouraged to come out and enjoy the spectacle and fun.
"An Garda Síochána will have a significant policing plan in place aimed at keeping people safe."
He also urged road users to drive carefully and never drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Meanwhile, 30 members of the Garda Reserve will take part in the parade to mark the organisation’s 20th anniversary.
Other representatives from An Garda Síochána in the parade will include the Garda Band, the Ceremonial Unit, the Garda Dog Unit, the Mounted Unit and student gardaí.
Further information on traffic arrangements is available on the An Garda Síochána website and through public transport providers.
