Extra gardaí on duty in Dublin city centre for Christmas traffic management operation
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Extra gardaí are now on duty for the Christmas season to keep traffic flowing during the expected influx of shoppers and revellers into Dublin city centre.
Operation Open City started last Friday and will continue during December until Christmas Eve involving the gardaí, the National Transport Authority, local authorities and transport providers.
“The aim of Operation Open City is to facilitate the movement of public transport and minimise traffic disruption to the general public, through high visibility and enforcement activity in Dublin city,” according to the Garda Press Office.
“An Garda Síochána will conduct a high-visibility enforcement operation with gardaí patrolling major arterial routes and link roads during peak periods of traffic movement.
“There will also be particular focus on traffic management around car parks at major shopping areas to avoid traffic congestion.
It will run alongside an enforcement operation aimed at intoxicated driving offences.
“Both operations are focused on preventing fatal and serious injury collisions on our roads, as well as the prevention and detection of crime and public order incidents.”
Members of the public have also been asked to follow An Garda Síochána, Transport for Ireland and Dublin City Council social media accounts for regular updates.
Public transport providers will be operating additional services throughout the Christmas period. Operating hours are being extended by Dublin Bus, Bus Éireann, Irish Rail and Luas.
Details of the extended service arrangements can be found on the Transport for Ireland website.
Gardaí also issued safety advice for Christmas shoppers, they urged the public to be careful when withdrawing money from cash machines and financial institutions, mind your belongings when in crowded areas, use a handbag or shoulder bag that can be held securely.
They also warned people not to leave bags or valuables visible inside parked cars and to park your car in a controlled car park and retain the parking ticket on your person.
Always lock your car securely when leaving it unattended, even for brief period and report any incident to gardaí, immediately.
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