MAJOR traffic restrictions are being imposed in areas of Dublin city and county because of the forthcoming EU presidency, the Tina Turner concert at Croke Park and the visit of the USS John F. Kennedy to Dun Laoghaire restrictions are being placed on the area around Dublin Castle for the next six months and temporary restrictions are being imposed next Monday at Temple Bar.
The Garda Siochana warned motorists to adhere strictly to the parking regulations and said that vehicles found illegally parked would be towed away.
"There are major events planned and they are creating the same kind of logistical problems we faced during the visit of President Clinton," a Garda spokes man said.
For the next six months, parking will be prohibited in Castle Street, Little Ship Street, Great Ship Street, Upper Stephen's Street and South Great George's Street, and in Dame Street from South Great George's Street to Lord Edward Street.
Parking will also be banned in Palace Street, Cork Hill, Exchange Court and Werburgh Street, as well as from Castle Place to Little Ship Street.
There will be no vehicle access to Dublin Castle, except for accredited vehicles. Pedestrian access will be confined to the Cork Hill Gate entrance only, where admission will be subject to security checks.
Next Monday from 6 a.m. parking will be prohibited and vehicle access restricted in the Temple Bar area bounded by Fishamble Street, Dame Street, Anglesea Street and Wellington Quay. There will be limited pedestrian access for business purposes only, and subject to security checks, in the area bounded by Sycamore Street, Temple Lane and Essex Street.
Parliament Street will be closed to motor traffic between 5 p.m., and 11 p.m. on Monday. Because of the Tina Turner concert today, traffic will be prevented from using all minor roads in the vicinity of Croke Park from 8 a.m. From 4 p.m. Clonliffe Road and Jones Road will be closed to traffic and diversions will be signposted. Motorists are advised to avoid the area.
In Dun Laoghaire, where the USS John F. Kennedy is due on Monday, strict traffic arrangements will be in force and parking will be prohibited in a number of areas around the Pier.
Harbour Road will be closed to through traffic, except for port business and passengers intending to travel with Stena Sealink, from the junction of Coal Quay Bridge to the entrance of East Pier from Tuesday, July 2nd, until Sunday, July 7th. Parking will also be prohibited in Crofton Road, Queen's Road and Royal Marine Road for the same period.
People are being asked to use public transport to get to the area and extra DART and bus services are planned.