Heightened security for Galway Races to combat potential threats

A number of new security measures will be implemented by Gardaí at this year’s Galway Races to combat any potential terror threat.

Following on from a number of high-profile terror attacks in the United Kingdom, Gardaí in Galway are said to be taking all the necessary steps to ensure the safety of this year’s racegoers.

Measures to be introduced for the festival, which will run at Ballybrit from July 31 to August 6, will include restrictions on what can be brought in by punters.

A new rule is to be introduced that will see the size of bag allowed beyond the turnstiles limited to no bigger than an A4 sheet of paper.

Extra Gardaí will be on patrol to increase the security presence both inside and outside the venue and Galway’s Garda Chief said this week that every effort would be made to ensure the week-long festival goes off without a hitch.

The risk of a terroist attack on large public events has become a source of concentration for the Gardaí since a deadly ISIS attack on a Manchester concert led to the loss of 22 lives and left 120 people seriously injured.

This, followed by two further attacks in London, has increased fears on this side of the water.

Chief Superintendent, Tom Curley, said that members of the force are constantly training and are well prepared to respond to the terror threat.
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