Gardai inspect Louth GAA grounds ahead of Biden arrival

Gardai have inspected a possible helicopter landing zone at a Co Louth GAA club as part of final preparations for a visit to the island of Ireland by US President Joe Biden this week.

Mr Biden will undertake several engagements north and south of the border as part of the visit to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement.

One possible route to Co Louth is by helicopter and emergency services were seen placing security barriers and pacing the perimeter of Cooley Kickhams Gaelic Football Club in Carlingford on Monday.

On the Dublin leg of the journey, Mr Biden will address Irish parliamentarians and meet Irish premier Leo Varadkar and Irish president Michael D Higgins.

The official residence of President Higgins is within the grounds of the park.

The Office of Public Works said it made the decision following a request to close the park from An Garda Siochana.

All gates, including pedestrian gates, will be closed during this 24-hour period.

The end of the trip will include a public speech by the US President in Co Mayo, outside St Muredach’s Cathedral in Ballina, on Friday evening.