Gardaí and the Army were last night putting the finishing touches to the security operation around Shannon Airport and Dromoland Castle in anticipation of the arrival of President Bush and his entourage tomorrow.
An eight-foot high wire fence was constructed half a mile from the entrance to Shannon Airport and on approach roads around Dromoland Castle, where Mr Bush will stay on Friday night and attend an EU-US summit on Saturday.
At least one US military aircraft, believed to contain a number of armour-plated limousines, landed at Shannon Airport last night.
Three temporary Garda command and control centres at Shannon and Dromoland Castle were also being completed late last night. Manholes leading to the sewers were sealed to prevent explosive devices being planted.
Gardaí have announced major traffic restrictions in the mid west. Beginning at 10 p.m. tonight, the R458 from the Clare Inn roundabout to Ministers Cross, Newmarket-on-Fergus, will be closed until Saturday at 3 p.m..
The N18 will be closed from tomorrow at 3 p.m. between Clonmoney, Shannon, and Skehanagh, Clarecastle, until Saturday at 3p.m. and traffic will be diverted. Shannon Airport will operate as normal tomorrow and Saturday.
