The policing operation surrounding the 25th anniversary events of the Good Friday Agreement has cost £7 million, with plans to recover some of the expenses.

The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has announced plans to recover a portion of the £7 million spent on security measures during the 25th anniversary commemorations of the Good Friday Agreement. Following US President Joe Biden’s visit to Belfast, which included a speech at Ulster University, a major policing operation has now concluded.

The PSNI deployed 2,920 officers as part of the operation, including frontline officers, security details, and those providing close protection. This marked the largest security operation in Northern Ireland since the G8 summit in 2013. The operation saw several city centre roads closed, causing some disruption to the public.

Assistant Chief Constable Chris Todd explained the magnitude of the operation, highlighting the extensive planning involved to ensure the safety of high-profile dignitaries, including President Biden, Prime Minister Sunak, and other key figures. In addition to local officers, 84 mutual aid officers from surrounding areas were brought in to provide specialist support.

Todd expressed gratitude for the cooperation of the public, acknowledging the challenges posed by the necessary road closures and security barriers. He stated that the total cost of the operation was estimated at £7 million, though this figure could change as the final details are reviewed. The PSNI will seek to recover some of these costs in accordance with established arrangements once the operation has concluded.

With road closures now lifted and security measures being removed, attention turns to next week’s visit by former US President Bill Clinton and his wife, Hillary, along with Prime Minister Sunak, who will attend an international conference in Belfast to mark the anniversary of the peace agreement.