O'Callaghan praises unprecedented security operation for Dublin meetings
Ireland's justice minister has thanked gardaí and partner agencies after a major diplomatic gathering brought European leaders to the capital. He said frontline and specialist teams worked around the clock while policing continued nationwide.
Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan has thanked An Garda Síochána and its partner agencies for the policing and security operation supporting two major European meetings in Dublin this week.
The European Political Community meeting and the informal meeting of EU heads of state brought together the largest gathering of heads of state and government ever hosted by Ireland, according to the minister. He said the events required the most extensive Garda policing and security operation in the history of the State.
O'Callaghan said the scale and complexity of the operation demanded extensive planning and coordination among national and international partners. Frontline gardaí worked around the clock alongside specialist policing, security and support units to protect delegations, participants and the public, while normal policing services continued nationwide.
The minister said he had spoken to Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly to thank him and his senior management team for their leadership. He also acknowledged Garda members and staff, saying the operation showed Ireland could host major international events safely and effectively.