An Garda Síochána has announced the St Patrick's Day policing plan for Dublin city, which came into effect at 7am on Friday morning.
This is in anticipation of thousands of people visiting the city for St Patrick's Day festivities during the bank holiday weekend.
Around 1,000 members of An Garda Síochána will be out on the beat throughout the long weekend.
Monday's St Patrick's Day parade through Dublin city centre is expected to draw large crowds into the capital.
The parade will start at 12pm at Parnell Square North and finish at Kevin St Lower, assembling beforehand at Western Way, Dublin 7, before dispersing afterwards at St Stephen's Green West, Dublin 2.
Those attending the parade are advised to pick an area along the route to view the parade ahead of time, to arrive early, to plan the journey into the city in advance, to use public transport or Park and Ride facilities where possible, to keep children under close supervision to avoid being accidentally separated in the crowd, to pack sensibly and mind personal belongings, and to follow gardaí and stewards instructions.
Any motorist planning on making their way into, or through, the city are advised that parking will not be allowed along the parade route. Any vehicles on the route will be towed.
All traffic will be diverted through the North and South Circular Roads for the duration of the St Patrick's Day parade. Local access and egress to streets affected by closures will be facilitated.
No vehicles can enter the parade route while closures are in place.
Gardaí have advised motorists and those that must commute by car into or through the city over the weekend and on Monday in particular to plan journeys in advance, follow road signage, adhere to instructions of gardaí and/or parade stewards, to park and lock your car in a secure place if legally parking, and to not block access which may make it difficult for emergency servicese or residents.
For those who plan to go out socialising this St Patrick's Day weekend, gardaí have advised people to plan the nights out by telling someone where you are going and when you will be back, to be careful of personal belongings, especially in crowded areas or busy premises, not to drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs under any circumstance, and to be mindful of driving the morning after too.
Gardaí have further advised not letting any friend or family member walk home alone, as there is safety in numbers, and if one must walk home, only walk in well lit, populated areas where you can be seen by traffic.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Cleary said, ahead of the bank holiday weekend in Dublin, that it is a vibrant city and that An Garda Síochána are looking forward to helping welcome thousands of visitors to the capital to celebrate St Patrick's Day.
"With dozens of exciting family-friendly events due to be held, we have a carefully planned and fully co-ordinated plan in place to ensure that everyone can have a safe and enjoyable time. An Garda Síochána has worked very closely with the St. Patrick’s Festival organisers in the lead up to this year’s schedule.
"We are on-hand 24-7 so please contact us or stop us on the street if there is anything that we can do," he said.
