SECURITY has been stepped up ahead of tomorrow’s visit by Prince Charles to Ireland.
Extra cordons will be in place at stops planned for the Prince of Wales and his wife Camilla as they tour counties Clare, Galway and Sligo this week.
Police fear dissident groups may use the visit as an opportunity to attack the royal, and have promised to keep a ”ring of steel” around the couple while they make their first official trip to the Emerald Isle together.
Last week police discovered guns and explosive materials in a series of raids close to where Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall would be visiting.
Their two-day trip is set to include dinner with President Michael D Higgins and wife Sabina as well as visits to the Marine Institute in Oranmore and the town of Mullaghmore – where Prince Charles’ great-uncle Earl Mountbatten was killed in an IRA attack.
Over the weekend former President Mary McAleese commended Prince Charles for making the journey.
“He is coming on a very special pilgrimage of remembrance," she said.
Sinn Féin leader Gerry Adams has also confirmed that the party will be represented at “a number” of events taking place during the visit.
“Thankfully the conflict is over but there remain unresolved injustices,” he said. “These must be rectified and a healing process developed.”
He added: “There is a responsibility on us all to promote reconciliation and seek to promote healing. It is with that in mind that the Ard Chomhairle decided that Sinn Féin representatives will attend a number of events during this visit.”
