Phoenix Park in Dublin will close for 24 hours this week to facilitate the visit of US President Joe Biden.
The Office of Public Works (OPW) announced that there would a temporary closure of Phoenix Park, beginning at 5pm on Wednesday and continuing until the same time the following day.
Throughout the 24-hour period all gates, including pedestrian gates, will be closed.
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In a statement, a spokesperson for the OPW said: “The OPW received a request from An Garda Síochána to close the Phoenix Park from 5pm on Wednesday, 12 April, to 5pm 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 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. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.”
The closure announcement has had an impact on some members of the public who took to Twitter to discuss their disagreement with the park being closed, given the fact that it is used by commuters on foot, bicycle and car everyday.
One Twitter user posted: "Judging by the fact the Phoenix Park is being closed for the duration of the Biden visit us mere mortals who commute through or around it don't matter."
While another added: "So President Biden gets to address large crowds in Mayo but the entirety of the Phoenix Park in Dublin (a park five times the area of Hyde Park in London) is closed."
Furthermore, Dublin Zoo, which is located in Phoenix Park, will also be closed after 5pm on Wednesday for the entirety of Thursday.
In a statement to the Irish Mirror, Dublin Zoo explained: "To facilitate the visit of President Biden, Dublin Zoo will be closing a little earlier than normal, at 5pm, on Wednesday, April 12, and will remain closed all day on Thursday, April 13. We expect to reopen as normal at 9.30am on Friday, April 14.
"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 seven-10 days. ”
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