GARDAÍ ARE INVESTIGATING after fourteen people, including two children, were discovered in a refrigerated trailer at Rosslare Europort in Co Wexford.
The discovery was made at 3am yesterday morning when the vehicle was stopped.
It is believed that the vehicle arrived from France.
It’s understood that the UK authorities were alerted after a 999 call was made from inside the trailer, which was subsequently passed on to Irish authorities.
The 14 people, who are believed to be migrants, include nine men, three women and two young girls.
They were assessed by medical personnel at the scene and are understood to be in good health.
Gardaí said that investigations into the matter are ongoing.
Asked about the incident, Taoiseach Leo Varadkar said that based on initial reports, his understanding is that 14 people have been found in a container in a truck in Rosslare Europort.
“Our first response is always a humanitarian one – to check that they are alive and in good health and my understanding is that they are,” he said.
“Our next step now is to facilitate voluntary return – their return home if they’re willing to go home.
“If they choose to apply for asylum, they are legally entitled to do that and we’ll try and process the application as quickly as possible.”
In a statement this evening, Minister for Justice Helen McEntee said she was “extremely concerned” to learn of the incident, and thanked the emergency services for their response.
“We know from past experience that similar situations have led to tragic fatalities. This was an extremely hazardous undertaking and it is only fortuitous that the same did not happen yesterday,” she said.
“An Garda Síochána are investigating the matter with assistance from international partners. I would appeal to anybody with any information that might assist with the ongoing investigation to contact An Garda Síochána.”
Independent councillor Ger Carthy told The Journal that it was fortunate that there was a “positive outcome” and that they were found in good health.
“It’s not the first time it’s happened in Rosslare. We’ve had dark days in Wexford,” he said.
“There’s a lot of people profiteering from this type of business.”
With reporting by PA
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