It will be the first time a full-scale operation is put in place in Ireland.
An Garda Síochána will put in place an anti-terrorism operation for the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin in an effort to guard against terrorist attacks similar to those that have occurred in London and Nice in recent years.
According to The Irish Times, it is the first time a full-scale anti-terrorism operation will be put in place in Ireland following various trials of counter-terrorism exercises in the capital last year.
Garda sources stressed to the paper that there is “definitely no need for concern” and that there is no intelligence to suggest that Ireland might be targeted for such an attack.
As part of the anti-terrorism measure, at least 20 large vehicles will be positioned at strategic locations along the parade route in order to prevent vehicles from driving into crowds of people at speed, as has occurred in Nice and London in recent years.
The Armed Response Unit and Emergency Response Unit will be on standby to respond to any incident if required, while Regional Support Units will be available elsewhere throughout the country.
The measures, Garda sources told the Irish Times, will not cause undue concern and the most visible Garda presence at the weekend will be uniformed and unarmed Gardaí on foot patrol and carrying out traffic and crowd control duties.
Earlier this week, An Garda Síochána issued a public notice to people attending the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, urging the use of public transport to travel to the city centre and serving a reminder that it is illegal to drink alcohol in a public place.
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