The Garda security operation around Croke Park for tomorrow's rugby international is expected to involve the Public Order Unit and armed officers, including members of the Emergency Response Unit.
It is understood that while there will be a heavy, high-visibility, uniformed police presence around the stadium, members of the Public Order Unit and armed gardaí will also be on standby close to the ground. They will not be visible unless a major public order incident arises.
Gardaí are anxious to avoid any possibility of a repeat of the clashes witnessed on O'Connell Street during the Love Ulster march of 12 months ago.
Republican Sinn Féin, which staged a protest during the Love Ulster march, is to demonstrate close to Croke Park tomorrow.
It has called on GAA president Nickey Brennan to meet its president Ruairí Ó Brádaigh and vice-president Des Dalton ahead of the Six Nations match.
It said the purpose of the meeting would be the handing over of a letter to Mr Brennan explaining the reasons behind the protest. It is against the flying of the Union Jack or the playing of God Save the Queen at GAA headquarters.
The protest is planned for the junction of North Circular Road and Summerhill Parade near the Sunset House pub at 3.30pm.
Deputy Lord Mayor of Dublin Cllr Aodhán Ó Ríordáin has called on Republican Sinn Féin to cancel the protest. He said the potential for it to be "hijacked by undesirable elements is quite high, if last year's Love Ulster parade is anything to go by".
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