Whatever about freedom of movement within the new EU, freedom of movement on the roads may be problematic this weekend as many towns and cities go into carnival mode for the May Day celebrations and accession events.
A number of road closures will restrict traffic in Dublin, which is hosting the official accession events at Dublin Castle and Farmleigh in the Phoenix Park. There will be tight security in Dublin as the heads of state of all the EU countries arrive tomorrow afternoon.
Protests and a May Day carnival are also likely to disrupt travel around the capital. A "critical mass" cycle and walk through the city is likely to create delays for commuters from 5.30 p.m. this evening. The event begins at Parnell Square.
The Garda is preparing for protests tomorrow and around 5,000 members will be deployed in the capital. The force conceded that every person had a right to protest "peacefully within the law" but warned that where protesters engage in criminal activity "it then becomes the responsibility of An Garda Siochana to deal with the situation.
"We are determined to prevent criminality and public disorder and we will ensure a prompt and effective response," the Garda said.
Gardaí will also be involved in escort duties for VIPs travelling to the official ceremonies.
To facilitate the events, the Phoenix Park will be closed to all traffic and pedestrians from 6 p.m. tonight until early on Sunday morning. Also from 6 p.m. Martin's Row, Knockmaroon Hill and Tower Road will be closed except for local access.
The main traffic diversion routes around the Phoenix Park will be the N4 (Chapelizod Bypass/Con Colbert Road/St John's Road) and the N3 (Navan Road/Cabra Roads). All local traffic in the Castleknock area will have to exit onto the N4/N3 via local roads, according to the Garda.
The North Circular Road is closed from Hanlon's Corner to the Phoenix Park except for local access.
The N4 (Chapelizod Bypass, Con Colbert Road, St John's Road West) will be open to traffic. The Chapelizod slip road will be closed except for local access.
Traffic travelling on the South Quays will not be allowed turn right over Frank Sherwin Bridge, beside Heuston Station). All inbound traffic travelling along St. John's Road West will be diverted right on this bridge and along the North Quays.
There will also traffic restrictions in place on Wexford Street, Kevin Street Lower, Parliament Street, Dame Street, South Great George's Stree, Nicholas Street and Christchurch Place.
Merrion Square will be closed to traffic all day tomorrow due to a European fair event.
In Cork, Patrick Street will close from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.
In Limerick, George's Quay and Creagh Lane will be closed to through traffic and on-street parking from 4 a.m. tomorrow until 6 p.m. on Monday to facilitate the festival events. Access to Barrington's Hospital is permitted from Mary Street and access to Creagh Lane will be permitted from Mary Street.
Jenkins' Lane car park will be closed from 9 a.m. on Thursday until around 7 p.m. on Monday.
In Monaghan, the May Day parade will take place in Castleblayney town from 2.30 p.m. to 5 p.m. Traffic on the N2 from the Dublin side must divert via Carrickmacross and Ballybay to Monaghan. Traffic from Monaghan should divert via Clontibret, Ballybay and to Carrickmacross.