Traffic chaos in Dublin: Everything you need to know

The city will see major traffic disruptions which started yestersay (Tuesday) until November 13.

The capital is hosting two EU presidency meetings.

Bus routes, the Luas Red Line, and many city centre roads will be cordoned or diverted off as An Garda Síochána prepares for its largest ever policing and security operation in the history of the state.

Why do they need so much security?

The meeting is the largest gathering of heads of state to take place in Ireland, with multiple world leaders including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in attendance.

The European Political Community (EPC) summit on November 12th will take place at the Dublin Convention Centre which will see discussions on security, stability and economic cooperation.

Taoiseach Micheál Martin TD will host a dinner for visiting leaders on the evening of the EPC summit at the National Gallery of Ireland.

This will be followed by an informal meeting of EU heads of state on Friday, also at the Convention Centre.

Which parts of town will be impacted?

Honestly? Mostly the north side.

The security measures will impact those who live, work or study near the Convention Centre at North Wall Quay and some near the National Gallery on the southside.

Routes between Dublin Airport, the Irish Air Corps base at Baldonnel Aerodrome, some hotels around the city and most public transport users will be impacted due to the high profile guests coming and going.

A security cordon is already in place at North Wall Quay and around the Convention Centre starting 7am on Tuesday until 6pm on Friday.

Roads that will be closed off include a North Quays security cordon from Samuel Beckett Bridge and Spencer Place impacting roads leading up to the Convention Centre (7am on November 10 until 6pm on November 13).

Gardai information

A security cordon is now in place around the Convention Centre Dublin including barriers and no-parking restrictions.

A wider security cordon and extended traffic management cordon will be established around the Convention Centre Dublin from 8pm tomorrow, Wednesday 11th November, until Friday evening.

Samuel Beckett Bridge will be closed to traffic from 8pm, with north/ south traffic across Samuel Beckett Bridge being diverted from approach roads.

Traffic movements will be restricted within an area bounded by:
• Amiens Street
• Seville Place/ Sheriff Street Upper
• East Wall Road
• North Wall Quay

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

North Wall Quay between Guild Street and New Wapping Street remains closed to traffic and pedestrians until Friday evening, 13th November 2026, with east-west traffic being diverted from approach roads.

National Gallery of Ireland

A security cordon will be established around the National Gallery of Ireland from 7am tomorrow morning, including barriers and no-parking restrictions.

Dublin City Centre

Traffic and parking restrictions may be implemented in the vicinity of hotels associated with these events in the north and south city centre from 7am tomorrow morning, Wednesday 11th November 2026.

Dublin Airport

Heads of State or Government will begin arriving at Dublin Airport tomorrow. The highest impact of these arrivals on tomorrow’s date will be between 1pm – 11pm.

Normal operations will continue at Dublin Airport. Departures and arrivals roads at T1 and T2 are unaffected. However, travelling members of the public should allow additional time to arrive at the airport during the peak impact times highlighted.

Traffic restrictions will be in place at Dunbro between R108 and R122. Additional Garda patrols will be in place along perimeter roads of Dublin Airport including the Naul Road, R108, R132 and Old Airport Road. 

Access to the aircraft viewing stands on the R108 and Naul Road adjacent to Dublin Airport will be restricted.

Casement Aerodrome

Heads of State or Government will begin arriving at Casement Aerodrome  tomorrow. The highest impact of these arrivals on tomorrow’s date will be between 1pm – 11pm.

Perimeter roads to Casement Aerodrome will be subject to additional Garda patrols and traffic restrictions. Parking/ stopping on perimeter roads will be restricted.

General Traffic Restrictions

It can be expected that temporary traffic restrictions will be implemented across the wider Dublin region to facilitate security motorcycle escorts from Dublin Airport and Casement Aerodrome to, and within, Dublin city centre.

The highest impact of these restrictions on tomorrow’s date will be between 1pm – 11pm from the airports to the city centre.

The M50 motorway and Dublin Port Tunnel are not expected to be directly affected by this policing and security operation at this time.