Ring Of Steel Defends Dail

Protests spark new fears

- Ferghal Blaney

Dail security has been ramped up in the wake of recent Far Right protests, a bomb threat and a perimeter breach by a protester.

The changes include new armed officers working in the Convention Centre and changed patrol routes around the perimeter of Leinster House to catch out those trying to spot routine.

Threats of a march on the Dail from Far Right campaigners for St Patrick’s Day this week led to an impressive ring of steel being erected around the streets with access to Leinster House and Government Buildings.

There was no chance of anyone getting near the buildings with roads closed and gardai manning barricades on Kildare Street, Merrion Square and St Stephen’s Green.