The Garda's Phoenix Park photos that will drive cyclists crazy

This is the scene in the Phoenix Park where the National Road Championships would have been based this weekend but for Joe Biden and his family holiday.

 

When news emerged that US Vice President Joe Biden would be visiting Dublin this week and the Garda was turfing the National Road Championships out of the Phoenix Park, it was a bit much for the road racing community to take.

But promoting club Orwell Wheelers has been aided by Kilcullen CC and between them they are ready to go to promote the championships in Kilcullen, Co Kildare, starting with the TT tomorrow evening.

Now the Garda Twitter account has published photos of Biden - who has brought his extended family for a holiday in Ireland - arriving in the park in a cavalcade of vehicles; an image that will rub salt into cyclists' wounds.

Advertisement

A huge Garda operation is in place in the park, involving gardai being stationed there to keep it secure, as Biden and his family are expected to sleep at the US ambassador's residence which is in the park.

And the Garda Twitter account has also published shots of some gardai outside the residence and of the parking restrictions for regular traffic.

Incredibly though, it seems the lock-down security in the park only applies at those times when the cycling would not have been on.

It raises the question as to whether the Garda turfed the championships out of the park simply because it was easier for them or because they had to.

For example, the park is only closed from 11pm to 6.30am during the Biden visit and the Zoo remains open, with visitors still even allowed to bring their cars into the park.

Here's what the Garda has said about the arrangements:

"The Phoenix Park will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians every night from 11pm until 6.30am for the duration of the visit.

"There will be no access to vehicles on Acres Road between the Phoenix Roundabout and the junction with Military Road.

"Vehicles entering the Phoenix Park via the Chapelizod Gate will be directed onto the Lr Glen Road and Military Road  (access to St. Mary’s Hospital via Chapelizod Gate).

Related News

"Access to White’s Road from the Ordnance Survey Road will be restricted. There will also be no access to vehicles on Furze Road. Military Road will be open to through Traffic.

"There will be no parking on Chesterfield Avenue, Ordnance Survey Road and on the North Road to Ashtown Gate inclusive.

"Parking restrictions will be in place on Wellington Road to allow for free movement of traffic. A strict tow away policy will be enforced.

"Patrons visiting the Zoo are requested to use the official Zoo Car Park only. Persons intending to visit the Phoenix Park are advised to use Public Transport as access to parking will be greatly reduced."

 

Garda Tweets on Biden visit

 

 

 

 

Topics
frontpage

Related News