Dublin Airport says it expects no disruption for passengers as EU Presidency kicks off this week

THE DUBLIN AIRPORT Authority and the Gardaí have both said they are expecting limited to no disruptions this week as Ireland takes over the EU Presidency on Wednesday, 1 July. 

Ireland will hold the Presidency of the Council of the European Union for the next six months, with approximately 300 events to be hosted across the country in that time.

Some 30,000 visitors are expected to travel to Ireland for presidency-related events between now and the end of the year with Dublin Castle set to be the epicentre for events.

Other events will also be held in the Dublin Convention Centre, while a handful of events are also set to take place outside the capital in Mayo and Kerry in the coming months.

Travel chaos is expected for some of the key events, such as two major summits taking place in November, which will see world leaders descend on Dublin.

The capital is likely to face major traffic disruption just as Christmas shopping season begins. 

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Ahead of that, though, authorities have said there should be a limited impact as things get underway this week. 

An Garda Síochána has said there will be some disruption, particularly in November, but that information of any traffic disruption will be announced ahead of time. 

Meanwhile, Graeme McQueen, the head of media relations at the Dublin Airport Authority said the presidency will have “no impact” on regular airport customers over the coming months.

“We’re looking forward to a busy second half of 2026, which will see Ireland host the Presidency of the Council of the European Union. As the national airport, we will have a big role to play at Dublin Airport in ensuring delegates move in and out of Ireland smoothly.

This activity will have no impact on our regular passengers, with the vast majority of EU activity flowing through our Old Central Terminal Building. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone, and providing them with a good experience, over the busy months ahead,” McQueen said. 

Ahead of events kicking off officially next week, some councillors in Dublin City have criticised the number of road closures in the capital as works are carried out in preparation for the presidency. 

Councillors say resurfacing works are now being carried out on roads that may be used by the visitors’ motorcades.

Many roads around Dublin Castle – where the presidency is being hosted – were closed  this week for works. The castle itself has been closed since 15 June and will remain closed for the next six months.

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