Gardaí have been briefing locals on how they will be affected by traffic restrictions, road closures and tight security when US President Donald Trump visits Co Clare next week.
The president and his wife Melania are due to arrive in Shannon Airport on June 5th and stay at the Trump family’s hotel and golf resort in Doonbeg.
Last night, locals in Doonbeg attended a Garda information event in the village while tonight residents in the Cree area were briefed in their local community centre.
Security has been tightened around the Trump property in Doonbeg over the past two weeks with all vehicles entering the 400-acre site being check by Gardaí.
Tonight, locals in Cree, about six kilometres the Trump hotel, were told that restrictions will be in place from 7.00pm on Monday next until 7.00am on Saturday June 8th and that anyone living within the security cordon, will require a special pass to gain access and move about.
Gardaí have advised locals there will be three security zones with the hotel, golf course and nearby Doughmore Beach completely locked down. There will be local road closures and diversions and Garda checkpoints over a wide area.
Doonbeg businesswoman Rita McInerney said: “Our meeting was very well attended and people accept there will be disruption and came to ensure they were fully informed of what restrictions will be in place.”
“Gardaí are working very hard to ensure that anyone who might be affected by road closures or diversions are contacted and informed. We were told that there will be zones which people can only access with special passes. Gardaí are also keeping lines of communications very much open and working hard to ensure that everyone is well informed of the restrictions in advance,” Ms McInerney added.
Anyone who wasn’t able to attend either meeting and who has any concerns about the restrictions, is asked to contact Kilrush Garda Station (065 9080550).
Similar measures are being taken in the vicinity of Shannon Airport where local companies have been informed that employees should carry official identification from their place of work at all times.
