GARDAÍ are understood to be planning a counter-terror operation in Dublin city centre on St Patrick's Day.
It is understood that the operation is aimed at limiting the scope of attacks similar to those carried out on London and Nice in recent years.
The Irish Times has reported that at least 20 large vehicles, including fire trucks, will be parked at strategic locations along the parade route. It is believed the measure is designed to stop vehicles being driven into crowds.
Armed and Emergency Response Units are also set to be on standby in the city and a large visible presence of uniformed and unarmed gardai will be patrolling the route.
It is believed it will be the first time that the full-scale operation will be put in place.
However, gardaí have stressed there is nothing to suggest that Dublin or the Republic is being targeted by extremists.
A Garda source told the paper: "There is no specific intelligence to suggest Ireland is a target from international terror groups."
The source added: "These are practical measures built into the regular policing plan. It reflects the times we live in but its precautionary and there is definitely no need for any concern."
