The Department of Transport has published a marine notice establishing temporary maritime exclusion zones along the River Shannon and off the coast of Doonbeg, County Clare. The navigational restrictions, introduced at the request of An Garda Síochána under Section 38 of the Maritime Safety Act 2005, will be in effect from September 12 through September 14, 2026, to facilitate a major security operation in the region.

On the River Shannon, both inner and outer exclusion zones will regulate commercial and recreational vessel traffic. The outer zone extends from Kilcredaun Point to Rinealon Point, requiring all vessels proceeding upriver to seek prior authorisation from An Garda Síochána. In addition, a broader navigational restriction will apply from Rinealon Point upriver to Limerick City, including the River Fergus to Clarecastle, during designated windows on Saturday, Sunday, and Monday. Scheduled commercial shipping serving Shannon Foynes Port Company facilities will be provided with pre-authorisation, whereas leisure craft are strictly barred from entering the zone without explicit Garda permission.

Off the coast of Doonbeg, separate inner and outer control zones will operate continuously from 00:01 on Saturday, September 12, until 23:59 on Monday, September 14. Entry into the inner zone will be strictly prohibited for the duration of the notice. Vessels deemed not to pose a risk to the security operation may be permitted to transit through the outer control area, allowing essential maritime traffic to proceed under supervision.

The Clare restrictions follow similar maritime exclusion zones implemented off the County Wicklow coast during a security operation late last month. Marine Notice No. 44 of 2026 outlines the full coordinates and operational hours, and mariners have been advised to plan passages accordingly and adhere to directions issued by security personnel.