Gardaí told to find their own rooms for Trump visit to Doonbeg

Gardaí face a nightmare trying to find somewhere to stay

Hotel prices within travelling distance of the Co Clare resort have reportedly risen to more than €1,000, according to The Journal, prompting a rank-and-file Garda group to brand the arrangements “nothing short of a shambles”.

The policing operation is already expected to be substantial, with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly classifying the visit as an “extraordinary event” because of the resources required. That means normal Garda schedules have been disrupted, with leave cancelled, rest days changed and training suspended so more officers can be made available for the operation.

What the Trump visit means for the policing plan

Although the visit has not yet been officially confirmed, current plans suggest Trump could arrive in Ireland on 12 September, beginning with a short stay in Dublin.

He is expected to meet a number of dignitaries, including US ambassador Edward Walsh, before travelling to Shannon on Air Force One and continuing by helicopter to his Doonbeg resort for the Irish Open.

The potential visit is already putting pressure on accommodation in west Clare. As The Journal previously reported, US officials are trying to secure hotel rooms for a possible entourage of around 1,000 people, including large numbers of American security personnel, leaving fewer rooms available and pushing prices higher.