US embassy cable - 05DUBLIN948

UNCLAS DUBLIN 000948 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OREP, AMGT, ASEC, AFIN 
SUBJECT: STAFFDEL FARRELL COUNTRY CLEARANCE AUGUST 1-3 
 
REF: SECSTATE 139978 
 
1.  Post welcomes and grants country clearance to Ms. Alycia 
Farrell to travel to Limerick, Ireland, from August 1 to 3, 
2005.  Purpose of visit is to meet with representatives of 
the Northern Command involving security issues and attend the 
Forum on Public Safety in Europe and North America at the 
University of Limerick. 
 
2.  Embassy control officer for this visit is Tom 
Rosenberger, office telephone 353-1-630-6275, home telephone 
353-1- 260-4795, cell phone 353-87-997-7094, email: 
rosenbergertm@state.gov.  Embassy telephone number while in 
country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 
after hours. 
 
3.  Reservations for Ms. Farrell have been made at Castletroy 
Park Hotel, Dublin Road, Limerick, Ireland telephone number 
353-61-335-566, fax 353-61-331-117. Room rate is euro 145. 
Tax and breakfast are included.  Latest cancellation date 
without penalty is July 29 COB. 
 
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION 
 
4.  There are no visa requirements for visitors traveling to 
Ireland on diplomatic or official passports. 
 
5.   Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has 
instituted a smoking ban in the work place, including all 
pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas.  Violation of this 
law may result in a fine of up to Euro 3,000.  Check with 
hotel staff upon arrival to determine if smoking is permitted 
in hotel room. 
 
6.  Accommodation Exchange:  Post does not have check cashing 
or money changing facilities.  Major credit cards are widely 
accepted; ATM machines accept most major U.S. bankcards, and 
offer the best exchange rates. 
 
SECURITY INFORMATION FOR IRELAND 
 
7.  Post is unaware of direct threats against Americans or 
U.S. interests in Ireland, and Ireland remains a relatively 
safe country where anti-American sentiment is rare.  For 
additional threat assessment information regarding Ireland, 
you may contact DS/DSS/ITA (Diplomatic Security's Office of 
Intelligence and Threat Assessment) in the State Department 
at 202-663-0787.  TDY visitors staying longer than 30 days 
should schedule a briefing with the Regional Security Officer. 
 
8.  Street Crime: Like any large urban center, Dublin has its 
share of street crime, especially pick-pocketing and 
purse-snatching.  Valuables should not be left unattended in 
cars and should be kept in hotel safe deposit boxes.  Do not 
carry large amounts of cash.  Violent confrontations and use 
of firearms are rare, however, and with reasonable 
precautions and common sense visitors should be able to enjoy 
a safe visit.  Police services are excellent; the number for 
emergency services in Ireland is 999 or 112. 
 
9.  Terrorism: Ireland, like the rest of the world, shares an 
increased threat of terrorist incidents of international 
origin.  Travelers should remain aware of their surroundings 
and report suspicious people or activities to the police or 
RSO. 
KENNY