US embassy cable - 05DUBLIN1427

UNCLAS DUBLIN 001427 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
LONDON FOR RFBO; MARK YOUNG 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: CFED 
SUBJECT: COUNTRY CLEARANCE FOR MARK E. YOUNG 
 
REF: LONDON 9234 
 
1.   Post welcomes and grants country clearance for Mark E. 
Young to travel to Dublin, Ireland from December 5 through 
December 7, 2005.  Purpose of visit is review FBU operation 
in Dublin. 
 
2.    Embassy Control Officer for this visit is FBU David 
Lee, office telephone 353 1 668-8777 x2115, e-mail 
david.m.lee@ssa.gov.  Embassy telephone number while in 
country is (01) 668-8777 during business hours; (01) 668-9612 
after hours. 
 
3.    Reservations have been made at Jury's Towers Hotel, 
Landsdowne Road, Dublin 4.  Telephone number 353 1 660-5000. 
Room rate is Euro 160 breakfast included.  Reference 
Amembassy Dublin.  Please provide post with fiscal data or 
credit card information to confirm the reservations. 
 
4.    Please note that as of March 29, 2004, Ireland has 
instituted a complete smoking ban in the work place, 
including all pubs, restaurants, and hotel common areas. 
Violations 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. 
 
GENERAL TRAVEL INFORMATION 
 
5.    Please be advised that there are no visa requirements 
for visitors traveling to Ireland on diplomatic or official 
passports. 
 
6.    Post policy is to provide airport pickup for employees 
at the rank of Deputy Assistant Secretary or above.  Other 
travelers should take the Dublin Aircoach (7 Euro one way, 
departure every 15 minutes) or a taxi (approx. 25 Euro one 
way).  Travelers arriving with excess equipment or having 
special transportation needs should communicate those 
requirements to their Embassy control officer prior to 
arrival. 
 
7.    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 
 
8.    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. 
 
9.    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. 
 
10.   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. 
 
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * 
Visit Dublin's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/eur/dublin/index. cfm 
KENNY