Gardaí have borrowed riot-control water cannons from the PSNI ahead of Queen Elizabeth’s visit later this month.
She is due to arrive on May 17th, the first time a British head of state has visited the Republic since independence.
While the visit is viewed in most quarters as an historic juncture in Anglo-Irish relations, there are concerns dissident republicans may try to disrupt the events.
Following the murder of Catholic policeman Ronan Kerr and a recent Real IRA rally in Derry which opposed the visit, Minister for Foreign Affairs Eamon Gilmore said stringent precautions will be put in place for the queen's visit and for the arrival of US president Barack Obama the following week.
We’ve seen very menacing threats coming from these groups in recent weeks,” he told RTÉ radio this morning. “The Government is concerned about any dissident threats there are, and the security arrangements are very strong arrangements.”
Part of these arrangements will involve two PSNI water cannons being borrowed by the Garda.
A PSNI spokeswoman said: “The Police Service of Northern Ireland will supply equipment to An Garda Síochánafor the upcoming royal visit to the Republic of Ireland from May 17th-20th.”
Drains are being checked at the quays on the River Liffey as preparations continue.
Additional reporting by PA