Around 30,000 football fans are descending on Dublin today to watch the Europa League final which is taking place in the Aviva Stadium.
Thousands of gardaí will police the event which is the second biggest European club football event after the Champions League and is watched by millions worldwide.
Many roads will be closed around the stadium to accommodate the movement of fans of the German side Bayer Leverkusen and Italy’s Atalanta while there will also be changes to the operation of some public transport in the area for much of the afternoon and evening.
Gardaí have warned that heavy traffic is likely in the vicinity of the stadium throughout today and that those travelling in the capital should expect delays due to rolling road closures.
They are advising people to plan their journeys around the event.
Dublin City Council has said that established practices for matches at the Aviva stadium will differ for this event which could run until 11pm because of the potential for extra time and penalties.
A traffic cordon will be established from 3pm at a number of roads around the area, with access only granted to residents who have proof of their ID or address.
However gardaí warned that all traffic may have to be excluded from these areas if there is a high number of pedestrians using the roads while entering and exiting the stadium.
Those roads are:
Lansdowne Road – both sides from Northumberland Road to Herbert Road
Shelbourne Road – both sides from Ballsbridge to Bath Avenue
Bath Avenue – both sides from Londonbridge Road to Shelbourne Road
Newbridge Avenue l Herbert Road l Lansdowne Lane from Northumberland Road to Shelbourne Road
Lansdowne Park
Parking will also be prohibited from 7am in the following locations:
Lansdowne Road – both sides from Northumberland Road to Herbert Bridge
Shelbourne Road – both sides Shelbourne Avenue to the Podium Entrance.
Havelock Square – right hand side from bath Ave to Gate 5
Herbert Road – both sides from Herbert Bridge to Tritonville Road
Lansdowne Lane – both sides
Northumberland Road – Both sides from Haddington Road to Lansdowne Road
South Lotts Road
DART services will run as scheduled but Lansdowne Road Dart Station will be closed from 4pm for security reasons.
Passengers will have to disembark at either Grand Canal Dock or Sandymount stations and a shuttle bus for people with a mobility impairment will operate between Sandymount Dart Station and the Sandymount Hotel.
Shelbourne Park Greyhound Stadium has been designated as a Fan Meeting Point (FMP) for Bayer Leverkusen and RDS Simmonscourt has been designated for Atalanta travelling supporters.
Both sets of fans are expected to congregate in these locations before marching to the stadium in a large group at around 5.30pm.
In addition to providing entertainment for the supporters, the FMPs will have food, drink and toilet facilities and will act as a base for the large amount of fans expected to arrive on specially chartered flights to Dublin.
A Fan Festival is also being held at Dublin Castle from 10am – 5pm where the Europa League trophy is on display.
A number of events and entertainment will also take place at Dublin Castle for both travelling supporters and those living in the capital at this free non ticketed event.
A three metre high replica of the Europa League trophy is also in place on North Earl Street, close to the junction with O’Connell Street and beside the Portal.
This is Dublin’s second time to host the Europa League final . The last occasion was in 2011 when two Portuguese teams played in that final.
Minister for Sport Thomas Byrne said the event would help Dublin prepare for co-hosting EURO 2028 with the UK.
“It is wonderful to see our capital city showcased this year, with our hosting of the UEFA Europa League Final.
“In order for Ireland to both attract and ensure the success of major international sporting events, significant work and preparation over many years is undertaken.”
Minister for Tourism Catherine Martin said hosting such a high profile sporting event would be a great benefit to Ireland.
“With Bayer Leverkusen as yet unbeaten in a historic season, and Atalanta competing at the top of Serie A, it looks set to be an enthralling spectacle for all fans of football.”
Dublin Airport said around 20,000 German and Italian football fans in addition to 10,000 fans from more than 20 other countries around the world are flying into the Irish capital for the event.
They said they have dedicated staff to help fans on their arrivals and free transport is being provided for them into Dublin city centre.
More than 48,000 people are expected to attend the final in the Aviva Stadium which UEFA is calling the Dublin Arena for the event.
Gates open at 5pm and kick off is at 8pm.
