Device found in Santry identified as a pipe bomb

Homes evacuated in estate as army bomb disposal team makes IED safe

The Defence Forces said member of the public who find a suspicious device should keep their distance and inform the gardaí. File photograph
The Defence Forces said member of the public who find a suspicious device should keep their distance and inform the gardaí. File photograph

The army bomb disposal team was called to a home in Santry on Thursday morning after a pipe bomb was discovered in the driveway.

Gardaí also attended the scene at Shanliss Walk, Santry in Dublin 9 after the residents of the house became concerned upon discovering a metal pipe outside the building.

Gardaí evacuated the area and members of the army bomb disposal team arrived at the scene at 10.10am.

The area was cordoned off while the improvised explosive device (IED) was examined and made safe, according a to a statement from the Irish Defence Forces.

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The device was removed to Cathal Brugha Army Barracks for further examination and the bomb disposal team left the area at 12.10pm. Gardaí confirmed on Friday morning it was a pipe bomb.

The Defence Forces has reminded members of the public that should they encounter suspicious items, or hazardous substances, they must maintain a safe distance and inform An Garda Síochána.

Calling for more policing resources for the area, Fine Gael TD for Dublin North West, Noel Rock said: “This is the second incident this week that has taken place in the Santry community, I was recently informed that a petrol bomb was thrown at a property in the area in a case of mistaken identity.”

He added: “I believe the Garda Commissioner needs to acknowledge the need for further resources to be assigned to both Ballymun and Santry Garda Stations to address the increase in crime in the area. I have previously called on the Minister for Justice and Equality and the Commissioner to focus on the needs for these communities and I believe resources need to be given to these areas as soon as possible.”

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak

Sorcha Pollak is an Irish Times reporter specialising in immigration issues and cohost of the In the News podcast