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France on high terror alert as millions arrive in the country for Euro 2016

France is on high terror alert as the European football championships kick off later today. Seven...
Newstalk
Newstalk

06.40 10 Jun 2016


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France on high terror alert as...

France on high terror alert as millions arrive in the country for Euro 2016

Newstalk
Newstalk

06.40 10 Jun 2016


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France is on high terror alert as the European football championships kick off later today.

Seven million supporters are expected to arrive in the country, which has been rocked by recent attacks by Islamic fundamentalists.

Around 70,000 fans from the Republic of Ireland will travel to the games - but with security expected to be tight, they have been warned to watch out for major delays.

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A series of union strikes across France will also make it difficult to reach matches in time - pilots and train drivers are among those protesting.

The French President Francois Hollande has warned trade unions against disrupting the championships.

Newstalk's Euro 2016 Correspondent, Nathan Murphy, says flooding is also still a problem.

"Over the last couple of months [fans] have heard a lot about the security situation and the terror threats," he explained. But really what's dominated here in France over the last 24 hours is the strike situation.

"There's talk that train drivers who supply the Stade de France - where the opening game is on tonight - that they're going to go on strike today. There's also still problems with flooding in the area," he added.

The tournament gets underway tonight with hosts France taking on Romania. Ireland's first match is on Monday against Sweden.

Euro 2016 runs for a month, with the final scheduled to take place on Sunday July 10th.

Armed guards are accompanying the Irish football team during their time in France.

Ireland's most famous football fan, Davey Keogh, has high hopes for the tournament - saying he has his ticket for the second round bought already.

"Every team has a chance in this tournament. When you see Leicester City winning the Premiership... football is just so crazy at the moment," he said.


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