EU Presidency Events July

Opening Ceremony -Traffic Information

• Date: Wednesday, 1st July 2026
• Location: Dublin 

An event to mark the beginning of the Irish Presidency will take place on the afternoon of Wednesday 1st July 2026 in Dublin Castle

Temporary rolling road closures by Garda motorcycle escorts can be expected to take place, for security reasons, between the hours of 12pm (midday) and 5pm to and from Dublin Castle.

Members of the public are asked to comply with Gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any escort rolling road closure.

In addition to the highlighted road closures, temporary localised traffic restrictions may be put in place in the vicinity of Dublin Castle for operational reasons.

General Information and Advice:

An Garda Síochána is working to ensure that the nature and scale of the policing and security operation for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is proportionate to protect everyone’s safety.

Our objective is to continue to share as much information with the public where necessary as soon as we are in a position to do so. We ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of Gardaí, and we thank them for their co-operation.

An Garda Síochána continues to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and public transport providers to minimise disruption to the public transport network.

Operational plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons.

Real-time updates will be provided, where appropriate, by the Garda Press Office via press release to media and An Garda Síochána's official social media accounts:
• X @gardatraffic and @gardainfo
• Facebook An Garda Síochána
• Instagram @gardainsta
• Website www.garda.ie

Drone Restrictions

UAS Geographical Zones and/ or TRA (Temporary Restricted Airspace) flight restriction notifications will be in place at venues hosting EU Presidency events. This includes restrictions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) i.e. drones.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) issues these restrictions, some of which can be issued at short notice for operational reasons. UAS (drone) pilots should check the IAA website for restrictions on flying drones in UAS Geographical Zones and TRAs immediately before operating a UAS.

UAS detection systems will be in place to identify the location of drones that are flying in restricted areas as well as the drone pilot. Breaches of TRAs and Geographical Zones are subject to investigation by An Garda Síochána and the IAA.

A list of TRA notices is published on the IAA website.

Details of UAS Geographical Zones are also published on an interactive map on the IAA website.

Meeting of the College of Commissioners, European Union Presidency

• Dates: 2-3 July 2026
• Location: Cork, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of the Taoiseach

A visit of the College of Commissioners to Ireland will take place in Cork on 2 and 3 July 2026.

As part of the Irish Presidency of the Council of the European Union, the College of Commissioners will meet with members of the Irish Government for discussions on a range of EU policy matters.

The visit will provide an opportunity for strategic engagement between the European Commission and the Irish Presidency at the outset of the Presidency term. Discussions will focus on key EU policy areas linked to the priorities of the Presidency and will conclude with a plenary session chaired by the Taoiseach, Micheál Martin TD, and the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen.

Traffic Information

In general, traffic restrictions for the visit will be kept to the minimum required and it is intended that any impact on the public will be localised and minimal.

EU Presidency events will be concentrated in the University College Cork campus, Cork City Hall, Tyndall National Institute and Hayfield Manor Hotel.

The members of the College will arrive and depart at Cork Airport. Normal operations will continue at Cork Airport at all times, however travelling members of the public should allow additional time to arrive at the airport due to possible temporary traffic restrictions, particularly during the afternoon of Thursday 2nd July 2026 and the afternoon of Friday 3rd July 2026.

The following traffic measures should take place in Cork city:

• The Gaol Walk between College Road & Western Road will be closed from the afternoon of 1st July until the afternoon of 3rd July 2026.

Members of the public living, working, and travelling between University College Cork and the city centre can expect localised road closures to facilitate events and temporary rolling road closures by Garda Motorcycle escorts on the afternoon/ evening of Thursday 2nd July 2026 and in the morning/ early afternoon of Friday 3rd 2026.

Members of the public are asked to comply with Gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any escort rolling road closure.

General Information and Advice:

An Garda Síochána is working to ensure that the nature and scale of the policing and security operation for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is proportionate to protect everyone’s safety.

Our objective is to continue to share as much information with the public where necessary as soon as we are in a position to do so. We ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of Gardaí, and we thank them for their co-operation.

An Garda Síochána continues to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and public transport providers to minimise disruption to the public transport network.

Operational plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons.

Real-time updates will be provided, where appropriate, by the Garda Press Office via press release to media and An Garda Síochána's official social media accounts: • X @gardatraffic and @gardainfo • Facebook An Garda Síochána • Instagram @gardainsta • Website www.garda.ie

Members of the public travelling in the affected areas of Cork city on Thursday and Friday are asked to plan their journeys during this period allowing enough time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect some localised delays.

An Garda Síochána has and continues to liaise with business and local residents in the key locations and will continue to communicate directly with them during the visit, where

Drone Restrictions

UAS Geographical Zones and/ or TRA (Temporary Restricted Airspace) flight restriction notifications will be in place at venues hosting EU Presidency events. This includes restrictions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) i.e. drones.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) issues these restrictions, some of which can be issued at short notice for operational reasons. UAS (drone) pilots should check the IAA website for restrictions on flying drones in UAS Geographical Zones and TRAs immediately before operating a UAS.

UAS detection systems will be in place to identify the location of drones that are flying in restricted areas as well as the drone pilot. Breaches of TRAs and Geographical Zones are subject to investigation by An Garda Síochána and the IAA.

A list of TRA notices is published on the IAA website.

Details of UAS Geographical Zones are also published on an interactive map on the IAA website.

Informal meeting of Employment and Social Affairs Ministers (EPSCO Employment and Social)

• Dates: 5-6 July 2026
• Location: Mayo, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Social Protection

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for employment and social affairs will take place on 5 and 6 July in Ballina, Co Mayo.

Ireland’s Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary TD, will chair the meeting.

The informal meeting will bring together ministers from the EU Member States, representatives of the European Commission, and invited participants, including European social partners, to discuss shared employment and social policy priorities across the European Union.

Traffic Information

The attendees will arrive and depart across Dublin Airport, Ireland West Airport Knock and Shannon Airport. Normal operations will continue at the airports at all times.

Formal and informal EU Presidency events will be concentrated at Foxford Woollen Mills, Foxford; St Mary’s Secondary School, Ballina and Mount Falcon Estate, Ballina over the two days.

In general, traffic restrictions for the visit will be kept to the minimum required and it is intended that any impact on the public will be localised and minimal.

The following traffic measures will be in place:

• Foxford, Co Mayo, Sunday 5th July
  • Green Road will be closed from the afternoon until late evening, with local diversions in place.
  • Lower Main Street and Providence Road will be closed from the afternoon until late evening, with local access for residents only.
  • There will be no parking in the environs of Foxford Woollen Mills on the 5th July.
• Ballina, Co Mayo, Monday 6th July
  • There will be minor traffic restrictions in Ballina on the morning of the Monday 6th July from around 7:45am to 8:45am.
  • Slí Ectra will have rolling road closures in place throughout the morning of 6th July.
  • McDermott Street is currently closed due to roadworks and Gardaí will be on duty to assist road users with any diversions.
  • There will be no parking in the environs of St Mary’s Secondary School on the 6th July.
• In general members of the public can expect Garda motorcycle rolling road closures for security escorts on the N26 in the vicinity of Ballina on Monday 6th July 2026

Members of the public are asked to comply with Gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any motorcycle rolling road closure.

General Information and Advice:

An Garda Síochána is working to ensure that the nature and scale of the policing and security operation for the Presidency of the Council of the European Union is proportionate to protect everyone’s safety.

Our objective is to continue to share as much information with the public where necessary as soon as we are in a position to do so. We ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of Gardaí, and we thank them for their co-operation.

An Garda Síochána continues to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and public transport providers to minimise disruption to the public transport network.

Operational plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons.

Real-time updates will be provided, where appropriate, by the Garda Press Office via press release to media and An Garda Síochána's official social media accounts:

• X @gardatraffic and @gardainfo
• Facebook An Garda Síochána
• Instagram @gardainsta
• Website www.garda.ie

Members of the public travelling in the affected areas of Ballina and Foxford on Sunday 5th and Monday 6th July are asked to plan their journeys during this period allowing enough time for possible traffic disruptions and to expect some localised delays.

An Garda Síochána has and continues to liaise with business and local residents in the key locations and will continue to communicate directly with them during the visit, where

Drone Restrictions

UAS Geographical Zones and/ or TRA (Temporary Restricted Airspace) flight restriction notifications will be in place at venues hosting EU Presidency events. This includes restrictions on Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) i.e. drones.

The Irish Aviation Authority (IAA) issues these restrictions, some of which can be issued at short notice for operational reasons. UAS (drone) pilots should check the IAA website for restrictions on flying drones in UAS Geographical Zones and TRAs immediately before operating a UAS.

UAS detection systems will be in place to identify the location of drones that are flying in restricted areas as well as the drone pilot. Breaches of TRAs and Geographical Zones are subject to investigation by An Garda Síochána and the IAA.

A list of TRA notices is published on the IAA website.

Details of UAS Geographical Zones are also published on an interactive map on the IAA website.

Informal meeting of Competitiveness Ministers (COMPET Internal Market and Industry)

• Date: 9-10 July 2026
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Enterprise, Tourism and Employment

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for competitiveness (internal market and industry) is taking place over two days in Dublin Castle.

The event begins on Thursday afternoon, 9th July and continues until Friday afternoon, 10th July 2026. This meeting forms part of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

The attendees will arrive and depart from Dublin Airport on Thursday morning and Friday evening. Normal operations will continue at the airport at all times.

Formal and informal EU Presidency events will be concentrated at the following locations:

• Dublin Castle
• Guinness Brewery and Open Gate Brewery
• The Chancery Hotel, Dublin 8
• Radisson Blu Royal Hotel, Dublin 8

 

Thursday, 9th July 2026

Localised temporary traffic restrictions and Garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts are expected in the south city centre during the late afternoon on Thursday 9th July 2026.

 

Friday, 10th July 2026

Localised temporary traffic restrictions and Garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts are expected in the vicinity of Dublin Castle between the hours of 8.00am and 9.30am on Friday.

Traffic restrictions will be kept to the minimum required and it is intended that any impact on the public will be localised.

Members of the public are asked to comply with Gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any escort rolling road closure.

 

General Information and Advice:

An Garda Síochána is working to ensure that the nature and scale of the policing and security operation for the Presidency of the Council of the European Unionis proportionate to protect everyone’s safety.

Our objective is to continue to share as much information with the public where necessary as soon as we are in a position to do so. We ask members of the public to heed the advice and instructions of Gardaí, and we thank them for their co-operation.

An Garda Síochána continues to engage with Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) and public transport providers to minimise disruption to the public transport network.

Operational plans are subject to change for security and operational reasons.

Real-time updates will be provided, where appropriate, by the Garda Press Office via press release to media and An Garda Síochána's official social media accounts:

• X @gardatraffic and @gardainfo
• Facebook An Garda Síochána
• Instagram @gardainsta

Informal meeting of Justice and Home Affairs Ministers (JHA)

• Date: 16-17 July 2026
• Location: Dublin Castle, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Justice, Home Affairs and Migration

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for justice and home affairs will take place on 16 and 17 July in Dublin Castle.

The Justice and Home Affairs Council (JHA) is responsible for European Union policies on combatting crime, judicial cooperation, police cooperation and cooperation on immigration, borders and asylum issues. It also develops cooperation and common policies on various cross-border issues, with the aim of further strengthening the EU-wide area of freedom, security and justice.

The event begins on Thursday morning, 16 July and continues until Friday afternoon, 17 July 2026. This meeting forms part of the Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

Arrival

The attendees will arrive and depart through Dublin Airport over Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. Normal operations will continue at Dublin Airport at all times.

Formal and informal EU Presidency events will be concentrated at the following locations:

• Dublin Castle
• InterContinental Dublin by IHG
• Clayton Hotel Ballsbridge
• Dublin Port

Traffic restrictions will be kept to the minimum required and it is intended that any impact on the public will be localised. Members of the public are asked to comply with Gardaí on duty in the event of encountering any escort rolling road closure.

Wednesday, 15th July 2026

Localised temporary parking restrictions will be in place in the Dublin 4, Ballsbridge area from Wednesday afternoon.

Thursday, 16th July 2026

Localised temporary traffic restrictions and Garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts between the hours of 8.00am and 9.00am on Thursday morning in the south city centre between Ballsbridge and Dublin Castle (primarily affecting Merrion Road, Mespil Road, Leeson Street, Stephens Green, Kevin Street, Bride Street and adjoining roads).

Intermittent localised temporary traffic restrictions and Garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts between the hours of 4.30pm and 6.30pm on Thursday afternoon in the city centre between Dublin Castle and Dublin Port (primarily affecting Bride Street, Kevin Street, Stephens Green, Merrion Street, Pearse Street, Cardiff Lane, North Wall Quay) and between Dublin Port and Ballsbridge (primarily affecting North Wall Quay, Macken Street, Northumberland Rd, Merrion Road).

Intermittent localised temporary traffic restrictions and Garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts on Thursday evening in the south city centre between Ballsbridge and Dublin Castle (primarily affecting Merrion Road, Mespil Road, Leeson Street, Stephens Green, Kevin Street, Bride Street and adjoining roads).

Friday, 17th July 2026

Localised temporary traffic restrictions and Garda motorcycle rolling road closures to facilitate security escorts between the hours of 8.00am and 9.00am on Friday morning in the south city centre while escorts are moving (between Ballsbridge and Dublin Castle, primarily affecting Merrion Road, Mespil Road, Leeson Street, Stephens Green, Kevin Street, Bride Street and adjoinging roads).

Visit our FAQ page for more information 

Informal meeting of Research and Innovation Ministers (COMPET Research)

• Date: 20-21 July 2026
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for research and innovation will take place on 20 and 21 July in Dublin.

The meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Further and Higher Education, Research, Innovation and Science, James Lawless, TD, and will bring together research and innovation ministers from EU Member States and selected associated countries, together with representatives from the European Commission.

Discussions are expected to focus on how to maximise the contribution of research and innovation to improve Europe’s competitiveness, security and prosperity.

Informal meeting of Environment Ministers (ENVI)

• Date: 23-24 July 2026
• Location: Dublin, Ireland
• Organiser: Department of Climate, Energy and the Environment

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for environment and climate will take place on 23 and 24 July in Dublin.

The informal meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Climate, Energy and the Environment, Darragh O'Brien, TD and will convene EU ministers responsible for
environment and climate policy, together with representatives of the European Commission and invited partner countries.

The meeting will offer ministers an opportunity to exchange perspectives on long-term climate and environmental challenges impacting the European Union.

Informal meeting of Fisheries Ministers (AGRIFISH Fisheries)

• Date: 28-29 July 2026
• Location: Cork, Ireland
• Organiser:  Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine

An informal meeting of EU ministers responsible for fisheries will take place on 28 and 29 July in Cork.

The informal meeting will be chaired by Ireland’s Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon, TD, and will bring together fisheries ministers, the European Commission, and invited institutional representatives.

Discussions are expected to focus on the EU’s Common Fisheries Policy, including consideration of how the Union can sustainably develop its fisheries and aquaculture sectors and ensure that the important role of these sectors is appropriately reflected in the regulatory framework.