US President Joe Biden will arrive into Dublin later as he continues his four-day visit to Ireland.
President Biden arrived into Belfast late on Tuesday night and will fly to Dublin Airport this morning.
Normal operations will continue at the airport, but members of the public should allow additional time due to "possible additional security patrols in the vicinity."
His first full day will mainly be concentrated in Co Louth.
Louth
President Biden will arrive in Co Louth from Dublin Airport in the afternoon.
It is expected that he will visit Carlingford Castle and then finish the trip in Dundalk in the mid-to-late afternoon, with a walkabout in the town centre.
Louth County Council has said a high-security operation is expected and people are being advised not to carry bags of any sort.
"Residents and visitors are very welcome to attend and celebrate the historic occasion of a US President coming back to visit his ancestral county," the council added.
In a previous visit in 2016, as US Vice-President, Louth County Council bestowed Mr Biden with the Freedom of Co Louth.
He remains the only individual to hold this honour.
Councillor Conor Keelan, Cathaoirleach of Louth County Council, said: "We are delighted that Joe Biden is visiting Louth, this time as President of the United States.
"I expect that he will receive a very warm welcome once more in Carlingford and then in Dundalk, where I have no doubt that we will see a great crowd in the town centre tomorrow afternoon to mark the historic visit", he added.
Traffic restrictions
Several traffic management measures are to be put in place for security reasons.
This will include parking restrictions and road closures in Carlingford until after his departure on Wednesday:
- Public Car Park – Tourist Office
- Dundalk Street
- North Pier
- Newry Street
- Old Quay Lane
- Castle Hill & Back Lane
- R173 Greenore Road
Further road closures on access routes, R173, R175, R176, to Carlingford, north and south of the village, will be implemented this morning.
There will also be similar parking restrictions and road closures in Dundalk:
- Barrack Street
- Seatown Place
- Jocelyn Street
- Roden Place
- Crowe Street
- Clanbrassil Street
- Market Square
- Francis Street
- Park Street
- Dublin Road
The M1 motorway is to remain unaffected.
There will also be traffic restrictions along the R173, R175, N52 between Carlingford and Dundalk from 6pm.
An Garda Síochána says they are working to ensure that the nature and scale of the operation "continues to be proportionate to the need to protect everyone's safety."
Members of the public travelling in the affected areas are asked to plan their journeys during this period to ensure to leave enough time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect some localised delays.
Gardaí say plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons.
Dublin and Mayo
President Biden will return to Dublin for the second day of his visit and address a Joint Sitting of the Houses of the Oireachtas on Thursday.
He will then travel on to Co Mayo on Friday, where he will give a public address in Ballina.
The Coronas, The Academic and The Chieftains will be among the musical acts to perform at the event.
This outdoor event is free and open to the public. Anyone wishing to attend should register online here
US Ambassador to Ireland, Claire Cronin, said: "The Chieftains played for President Biden when he visited Ireland in 2016.
"This reunion of the band and President Biden will be an emotional one, since we lost the legendary Paddy Moloney in 2021.
"I am honoured to say that The Chieftains will reunite one last time in honour of President Biden and play together for the first time since Paddy's passing," she added.
