23 Aug 2018 | 05:22 PM UTC
Ireland: Pope Francis to visit Dublin and Knock August 25-26 /update 1
Increased security and transportation disruptions expected in Dublin and Knock during papal visit August 25-26
Event
Pope Francis will travel to Dublin and Knock (County Mayo) from Saturday, August 25, to Sunday, August 26, during the World Meeting of Families event. A papal motorcade procession is expected through Dublin's city center on Saturday, August 25, beginning at 16:15 (local time). The motorcade will depart from the Pro-Cathedral and travel south on O'Connell Street, crossing over the O'Connell Bridge and onto Dame Street. The procession will then travel north on Bridge Street ending at Capuchin Day Center. In addition, a papal mass is scheduled for 15:00 on August 26 in Phoenix Park, which will be closed to general use from Friday, August 24, through Monday, August 27. A full itinerary of Pope Francis' schedule is available on the World Meeting of Families website. Meanwhile, a victim support group has planned a protest in solidarity with victims of abuse by Catholic clergy at the Garden of Remembrance in Dublin from 15:00 on Sunday.
It is estimated that 600,000 people will attend events related to the papal visit over the weekend, and heightened security measures and associated transportation disruptions are to be anticipated ahead of and during the visit. Additional security forces will be deployed at Dublin Airport (DUB) and Ireland West Airport Knock (NOC) ) to cope with the influx of visitors and associated security concerns. The N17 between Charlestown and Claremorris will be closed from 00:00 to 15:00 on August 25. Additionally, police will deploy a "controlled access zone" inside the M50 in Dublin from 06:00 to 23:00 on August 25, and rolling restrictions will be in place near Phoenix Park, the Pro-Cathedral, and the Capuchin Day Center on August 25.
Context
Pope Francis is visiting Ireland for the World Meeting of Families, held by the Catholic Church every three years. The visit is to be the first papal visit to Ireland since 1979. In the 2016 census, 78 percent of Ireland's population identified as Catholic.
Advice
Individuals in Ireland, particularly in Dublin and Knock, are advised to remain vigilant, allow additional time to travel, and follow all instructions issued by the local authorities.
