US President Joe Biden's trip to Ireland and Northern Ireland begins this evening.
President Biden is due to touch down in Belfast marking the start of a four day visit.
The US President will visit Belfast to mark 25 years since the signing of the Good Friday Agreement.
British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to greet the US President off the steps of Air Force One.
His one big public engagement in Northern Ireland will be at Ulster University on Wednesday when President Biden will give a speech.
Immediately after that he's due to fly to Dublin and is expected to visit Co Louth on Wednesday evening where he may do a walkabout in Dundalk.
A massive security operation is underway here in Northern Ireland where the PSNI was already on high alert amid the threat of dissident activity around the anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.
Phoenix Park
The Office of Public Works has announced a temporary closure of the Phoenix Park this week.
The OPW received a request from An Garda Síochána to close the Phoenix Park from 5 pm on Wednesday, 12 April, to 5 pm on Thursday, 13 April to facilitate the official visit by US President Joe Biden.
The OPW has agreed to this request. All gates, including pedestrian gates, will be closed during this 24-hour period.
Access will be provided to essential staff working within the Phoenix Park and arrangements will be confirmed in the coming days.
All roads and gates will re-open as soon as it is safe to do so.
Further to a request from An Garda Siochána, the Phoenix Park will be closed from 5pm on Wed 12th April to 5pm on Thurs 13th April, in order to facilitate the upcoming Presidential visit.
All gates, including pedestrian gates, will be closed during this 24-hour period. pic.twitter.com/74IlEgJa3w— Phoenix Park (@phoenixparkOPW) April 11, 2023
Zoo
Dublin Zoo will be closing early tomorrow and will remain shut on Thursday to facilitate the US President's visit.
The zoo says essential workers have been given passes to make sure animals are cared for as normal.
A spokesperson for Dublin Zoo says: "To facilitate the visit of President Biden, Dublin Zoo will be closing a little earlier than normal, at 5pm, on Wednesday, April 12th, and will remain closed all day on Thursday, April 13th.
"We expect to reopen as normal at 9.30am on Friday, 14th April.
"Necessary zoo staff have been provided with accreditation, ensuring animals are cared for as normal during this brief closure.
"Tickets affected by the closure will be fully refunded in the next 7-10 days. "
📣 Dublin Zoo Closing Times 📣
Dublin Zoo will be closing a little earlier than normal, at 5pm on Wednesday.
The zoo will remain closed all day Thursday 13thof April.
We will reopen as normal on Friday 14th at 9.30am. 🐾
Check out our website https://t.co/GVpGCqDKAf pic.twitter.com/VP7vCQKQR1— Dublin Zoo (@DublinZoo) April 11, 2023
