Dublin city centre EU presidency restrictions 'seriously damaging' to businesses

Fine Gael Councillor Danny Byrne has called out An Garda Síochána and Dublin City Council for failing to properly communicate the extent of restrictions around Dublin Castle as a result of the EU presidency

News Stephen Holland Local Democracy Reporter 12:39, 20 Jul 2026 Updated 13:13, 20 Jul 2026 View Image Dublin Castle in Dublin, Ireland. (Image: Michael Echteld)

Security measures for Ireland’s EU presidency have been negatively impacting residents and businesses around Castle Street.

The €293 million EU presidency has caused disruptions in the city, with Fine Gael Councillor Danny Byrne tabling an emergency motion calling for Dublin City Council to take accountability. At last week’s South East Area Committee meeting, Cllr Byrne outlined being contracted directly by businesses who said they were not notified properly and are suffering economically as a result.

Dublin Castle is hosting the presidency from July 1 to December 31 and An Garda Síochána has cordoned off and restricted access to much of the surrounding area. Cllr Byrne said it’s frustrating that many of those affected "received no notice whatsoever” even though it has been “known for years” that this presidency was coming.

He outlined those wishing to bypassed blockades for dinner reservations being asked to show gardaí their booking, which has eliminated passing trade for some businesses. Cllr Byrne described this as “seriously damaging” to those working the area. “They received no advanced communication, maybe a garda walked in one day, but they didn’t think it would be the extent that it is,” he said.

Cllr Byrne called for assessment of the economic impact of the EU presidency on those in the area. He said in the event of any future major obstructions there needs to be a clear plan in place to support businesses that is guided by “accountability and transparency”.

The DCC manager’s response stated that restrictions and communications around this issue are a matter for An Garda Síochána and is based on their security requirements and protocols. “The Irish presidency is primarily concentrated in Dublin Castle and An Garda Siochana has advised that a policing and security operation is currently in place at Dublin Castle and will remain in place for the duration of the presidency,” they said.

“The City Council recognises this may cause disruptions to a small number of businesses and citizens. In this regard, the council has not had any correspondence with residents or businesses off Castle Street.”

Cllr Byrne replied that communication from gardaí has been “totally inadequate” and he argued that DCC does have a responsibility in this issue. “The council cannot just throw it’s arms up in the air and absolve responsibility,” he said, pointing out that the restrictions are taking place on council roads.

Independent Cllr Mannix Flynn too stressed that DCC “have an obligation” to the council tenants who live in the surrounding area. He said this issue is “just about communication,” and highlighted the elderly people who rely on cordoned off routes and how cycling infrastructure has been impacted by the blockages.

Cllr Flynn stressed that it would have been possible for gardaí to preaddress all concerns through clear communication that did not breach any security protocols. It was agreed to refer Cllr Byrne’s motion to An Garda Síochána.

This content is funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme

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