Live updates: Taoiseach to host informal meeting of EU leaders in Dublin

Main points

• European leaders will gather again in Dublin today for an informal meeting of heads of state or government of the EU.
• The conflict in Ukraine dominated the European Political Community summit in the Convention Centre on Thursday, which was attended by almost 50 world leaders.
• Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy warned the summit of Russia’s desire to reshape the security framework of the Continent.
• A major security operation remains in place in the capital on Friday morning, with roads around the Convention Centre closed to the public.

Key reads

• In pictures: the European Political Community summit
• Jack Power: Dublin becomes centre of Ukraine discussions as European leaders meet
• Dublin road closures: See full list of disruption
• Bobby McDonagh: The traffic chaos is temporary. What happens this week in Dublin could have lasting impact

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Órla Ryan -

30 minutes ago

Traffic restrictions

Traffic restrictions remain in place in parts of Dublin city.

A security zone around the convention centre will remain in place until Friday evening with no cycling, walking or vehicular access permitted.

North Wall Quay between Guild Street and New Wapping Street will be closed to traffic and pedestrians until Friday evening, with east/west traffic being diverted from approach roads.

A traffic management cordon near the convention centre will be also be in place until Friday evening, involving the closure of Samuel Beckett Bridge and restrictions in the north inner city between Sheriff Street, Amiens Street, East Wall Road and North Wall Quay.

Luas Red Line trams will operate between Tallaght/Saggart and Connolly only on Friday. There will be no trams between Connolly and The Point. Normal Luas Red Line service will resume on Saturday.

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Órla Ryan -

41 minutes ago

On Thursday, Taoiseach Micheál Martin welcomed European leaders as well as Canadian prime minister Mark Carney and the heads of international organisations such as Nato and the EU.

The Taoiseach also held a series of bilateral meetings, including with British prime minister Andy Burnham over the course of the day.

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Órla Ryan -

50 minutes ago

No sign of breakthrough in Ukraine talks

There was little sign of a breakthrough in ongoing efforts to reach a peace deal in Ukraine.

After the meeting in Baldonnel, Kushner said the US side had argued for the Europeans to be included in the negotiations. Witkoff said they were working hard on behalf of US president Donald Trump to being an end to the war, but gave no detail on any progress made.

“Our soldiers will come home and I am very thankful to all our negotiators. This is a real result, this is very important,” Zelenskiy said.

He said the American side made progress on talks with Putin on Europeans taking part in future talks.

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Órla Ryan -

55 minutes ago

Taoiseach to host informal meeting of EU leaders

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will host an informal meeting of EU leaders in Dublin on Friday following yesterday’s European Political Community summit.

Leaders will discuss efforts to end the war in Ukraine, among other issues.

US envoys to Russia Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff flew into Ireland yesterday following a meeting with Russian president Vladimir Putin in Moscow. The envoys met Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskiy at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel last night.

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