50 European leaders descend on Ireland for historic gathering following wave of bomb threats
The historic gathering comes amid heightened security concerns following a series of bomb threats targeting schools, airlines and media organisations across Ireland and Europe
Ireland's largest-ever security operation is underway today (Thursday, November 12) as approximately 50 European leaders gather in Dublin following a wave of bomb threats across the country.
The unprecedented policing operation comes just 24 hours after hundreds of schools across Ireland received threatening emails, prompting a major Garda investigation.
The threats, which were also received by media organisations, were assessed by Gardaí as not credible, with schools advised that evacuations were unnecessary.
Similar threats have been reported in Northern Ireland, Scotland and Italy, while Irish airlines, including Ryanair and Aer Lingus, have also been targeted by bomb scares in recent days.
The incidents have added to security concerns surrounding today's European Political Community (EPC) summit, which is taking place at the Convention Centre Dublin.
However, no direct connection between the bomb threats and the summit has been established.
Taoiseach Micheál Martin is hosting the summit, which brings together leaders from EU and non-EU countries to discuss some of Europe's most pressing challenges.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and French President Emmanuel Macron are among the high-profile figures attending, alongside Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte.
Discussions are expected to focus heavily on the ongoing war in Ukraine, European security and wider geopolitical challenges.
The summit is the largest diplomatic gathering ever hosted by Ireland and represents a major event during the country's EU presidency.
More than 5,000 Garda will be in the capital today with specialist security units and counter-drone technology deployed as part of the operation.
The unprecedented security measures come amid growing concerns across Europe about cyberattacks, sabotage and other forms of hybrid warfare.
While suspicions have been raised about possible foreign interference behind recent threats, no conclusive evidence linking the incidents to Russia has been established.
The security operation is also expected to cause significant travel disruption across Dublin today and tomorrow.
Gardaí have warned of extensive road closures and restrictions around the Convention Centre, Docklands and Merrion Square, with the greatest disruption expected between 7am and 11am and again from 3pm to 11pm on Thursday.
Passengers travelling through Dublin Airport are being advised to allow additional time, while Luas services and several bus routes will also be affected.
The summit will be followed by an informal meeting of EU leaders on Friday, November 13, with security measures remaining in place throughout both events.