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Dublin will see significant disruption to public transport next week as roughly 50 European leaders gather in the city for meetings on Thursday and Friday, 12–13 November. The events, held during Ireland’s EU Presidency, coincide with a major policing operation and a planned national strike, creating widespread travel delays and service changes.
Transport changes passengers should expect
Transport for Ireland (TFI) has warned that many central bus routes and parts of the Luas Red Line will be affected across several days. Disruptions begin on Tuesday, 10 November, and continue through Friday.
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From Tuesday to Friday buses will be diverted away from the quays east of the Custom House. That will change stops and termini around the Connolly area and in the southeast of the city centre.
On Thursday and Friday, bus services will also be routed away from Merrion Square. Commuters should expect altered boarding points and longer journeys.
There are detailed Luas changes. From 8pm on Wednesday, 11 November, Red Line trams will run normally as far as The Point, but the Mayor Square and Spencer Dock stops will be closed. On Thursday and Friday the line will not operate east of Busáras/Connolly.
After concerts at the 3Arena on Thursday and Friday a limited Luas service will run west from The Point only. Travellers heading to Dublin Airport are advised to allow extra time for their journeys.
Why the disruptions are necessary
The meetings are taking place at the Convention Centre on North Wall Quay. An Taoiseach Micheál Martin will host a dinner for visiting leaders at the National Gallery on Thursday evening.
TFI says the events require an extensive security presence. Officials describe the policing operation around the summit as the largest in the State’s history, with associated road closures and public transport diversions contributing to the delays.
Strike action adds to pressure on services
The summit overlaps with a planned 24‑hour national strike on Thursday, 12 November. The Public Services Committee of the Irish Congress of Trade Unions (ICTU) confirmed the action on Monday.
Last month more than 300,000 public sector workers took part in a nationwide strike — the largest in nearly 20 years — causing widespread disruption to schools, hospitals and other public services. The November action was previously scheduled, then postponed; it is now set to proceed on the same day as the leaders’ meeting.
Union leaders say the industrial action stems from delays in reaching a new pay agreement with the Government.
Passengers are urged to plan journeys in advance, allow extra travel time and check the TFI website or their transport operator’s updates before travelling.
