Massive security in place for royal couple’s Kerry visit
Armed British officers will be on patrol Main fear is Islamic, not Republican, attack Garda marksmen on rooftops Hundreds of people vetted
A MASSIVE security operation is already underway across the county ahead of the British Royal visit to Kerry this Friday.
Britain’s Prince Charles and his wife Camilla are due to attend a number of events in the county on Friday as part of a two day visit to Ireland.
For security reasons the exact details of the visit remain a closely guarded secret, however some details have emerged.
The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall will fly into Cork on Thursday and attend a number of events in the city during the day.
On Friday they will travel to Kerry where they are expected to take part in events at Derrynane House, Siamsa Tíre in Tralee and in Killarney National Park.
It is understood that the couple will not be staying overnight in the county.
Hundreds of gardaí from the Kerry Division and specialist national and regional units – along with members of the British security services – will be on hand to provide protection during the pair’s time in Kerry.
The British will primarily be represented by highly trained members of the elite Royalty and Specialist Protection (RaSP) unit.
The unit – a specialist section of London’s Metropolitan Police – provide protection to members of the Royal family as well as senior politicians, diplomats and foreign dignitaries that are visiting the UK.
While protecting the Prince and Duchess in Ireland, the units’ members have permission to be fully armed with Glock pistols and Heckler and Koch sub-machine guns.
Members of the armed Garda Emergency Response Unit – whose regional unit will be on protection duty – will also play a major role in the operation.
Specialist Garda marksmen will also be in position in elevated areas overlooking the venues the British Royal couple are to visit.
Members of national Garda Special Detective Unit have been working with their British counterparts in recent weeks to monitor any potential threats in each area.
While there is mild concerns about potential Republican pro- tests the chief concern – which one source called ‘ the nightmare scenario’ – is an attack by an Islamic militant.
These precautionary measures include a massive vetting operation which has seen all the hand-picked guests who will meet the couple at the various venues having their backgrounds checked.
All staff at the venues along with many in nearby businesses have also been vetted. Meanwhile, properties and lands near the various venues are being inspected and sealed off if necessary.
Stringent security restrictions have also been placed on all media outlets with journalists and photographers covering the visited expected to comply with strict controls.
Though it has not been formally announced, areas over Derrynane, Killarney and Tralee are also likely to be named as be ‘no fly zones’ for the duration of the visit, a ban that will extend to drones which may hold camera technology.
Road closures and significant traffic restrictions will also be put in place in each area ahead of the visits though – again for security reasons – the exact details of these measures will not be announced until shortly before the visit. Full information on road closures etc is not expected before Thursday.
Local business and residents of areas likely to suffer disruption due to the road closures and restrictions will be notified in advance and steps will be taken to accommodate those with specific needs, such as anyone with health or mobility issues.
Details of public viewing areas for those who wish to see part of the visit are expected to be announced along with information on traffic restrictions and road closures.
Based on previous similar visits by foreign dignitaries people should make their way to viewing areas early and refrain from bringing any large bags as they will probably not be permitted.
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