AUSTRALIA has warned its citizens travelling to Ireland to avoid dissident tensions that may occur because of the Easter Rising commemorations.
In its latest travel advice, posted on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s website on Monday, the government advises its citizens to “avoid all protests and demonstrations”.
“Tensions between dissident republicans and unionists have increased in the lead up to the centenary of the Easter Rising,” the post reads.
“You should avoid all protests and demonstrations, including those associated with Northern Ireland, as they may turn violent.
“Instances of civil disorder can rapidly escalate into violence and you should avoid them wherever possible, including through careful monitoring of the media and following the advice of local authorities.”
The travel advice goes on to warn about the worldwide terrorist threat after the previous incidents in Europe – including the Paris and Brussels attacks.
But other countries with large Irish populations do not have any similar warnings in place.
Neighbouring country New Zealand is not offering any specific travel advice in relation to Ireland at this time.
The British Foreign Office’s latest advice is that there is an “underlying threat” from terrorism – though it does not specify the Easter Rising centenary as a risk factor, the BFO confirmed to The Irish Post.
Canada, also home to a large Irish population, issued the following advice: “There is no nationwide advisory in effect for Ireland. Exercise normal security precautions.”
In the US, normal safety measures are in place, with the government’s website warning travellers only about petty crime and car theft.
