Government Launches 'Operation Freeflow' For Christmas

The Irish government launched this year's 'Operation Freeflow' on Monday in its yearly effort to reduce congestion on the streets of Dublin in the run up to Christmas.

The operation, which runs until January 5th, sees 163 probabtionary gardaí called up to help the city's force manage traffic and congestion.

Non-essential roadworks are cancelled during the duration of the plan, although those on the M50 will continue, Garda Inspector David Brogan telling RTE that there were contractual reasons meaning that the works could not be postponed.

Despite this, the primary focus of the operation this year is said to be minimalising delays on the motorway.

Police will also focus attention on known trouble spots such as major road junctions, Quality Bus Corridors, Luas interchanges and Nitelink services, though Deputy Garda Commissioner told officers that, "Traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum for users of both public and private transport.

"Gardaí on motorcycle, car and on foot patrol will also have specific duties to target and tackle any problems that may arise," he continued.

To assist them in their task Specialist Garda services are also being deployed, including the Air Support Unit, the Garda Mountain Bike Unit, the Garda Regional Traffic Division, the Garda Mounted Unit and Garda Communications.