GARDAI have issued a major warning to parents who are planning on bringing their children to Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day parade.
Officers have launched an initiative for parents planning on bringing their little ones into Dublin city centre for Paddy’s Day festivities.
The wristbands can be picked up from garda stations around Dublin[/caption]
They have confirmed that they will be handing out wristbands to those attending to ensure anyone young or vulnerable doesn’t get lost.
The wristbands will be available from any Garda Station across Dublin.
Gardai will be handing them out over the coming days and have encouraged parents to avail of the service.
A spokesperson said: “Are you planning to attend Monday’s national St. Patrick’s Festival Ireland parade in Dublin City Centre?
“Our wristbands can help make sure that we are able to reunite anyone young or vulnerable who is attending with you, and that might get lost during such a large, public event.
“Call into us in any Garda Station across Dublin to pick up yours.
“We look forward to welcoming you all to the capital for a great day!”
The response to the initiative has been met with strong support as parents praise Gardai for taking action ahead of time.
One person said: “Fantastic idea, hope all enjoy the parade, keep safe and look out for each other.”
Another said: “Great work. Thanks so much for the love and respect and care for all of us in Ireland.”
A third wrote: “Great idea they should do everywhere.”
Ireland’s largest St Patrick’s Day parade is due to start on Monday, March 17 at 12pm.
The route will start at Granby Row before turning onto Parnell Square North and taking the turn for the east side.
It will then travel down O’Connell Street and Westmoreland Street before turning onto Dame Street and Lord Edward Street.
The parade will then turn onto Nicholas Street and Patrick Street before finishing by turning to Kevin Street and reaching St Stephen’s Green.
STREETS CLOSED OFF
However, each of these streets will be closed off for a portion of the day as the parade travels through and it is advised to plan ahead.
From 4am until 3pm on Monday, Cavendish Row, Granby Row, Mountjoy Street Middle, O’Connell Bridge, O’Connell Street, Palmerston Place, Parnell Square East, Parnell Square North, St Marys Place North and Wellington Street Lower will be closed.
Western Way will be closed from 7pm on Sunday until 3pm on Monday.
From 4am until 5pm, Christchurch Place, College Green, Dame Street, High Street, Lord Edward Street, Nicholas Street, Patrick Street and Westmoreland Street will be closed.
From 4am until 6pm, Clanbrassil St Lower, Kevin Street and New Street South will be closed, while Stephen’s Green South and Cuffe Street will be closed until 6.30pm.
Merrion Square West will be closed from 6am until a minute before midnight.
Custom House Quay will close at 7pm on Friday and won’t reopen until 6am on Tuesday.
