THIRTY-FIVE PEOPLE have been arrested by gardaí as part of an operation in Carlow and Kilkenny.

The arrests came as part of Operation Thor – Project Storm, a four-day policing initiative aimed at preventing crime, disrupting criminal activity and enhancing community engagement in the Kilkenny-Carlow Division.

The bulk of operations took place today.

Ten people have been charged and will appear at local sittings of Carlow and Kilkenny District Court in the coming weeks.

The arrests were made in connection with ongoing investigations into recent burglary, theft, criminal damage, assault and violent disorder incidents. There were also arrests in relation to bench and penal warrants.

A total of 47 checkpoints were carried out aimed at intercepting and disrupting criminal groups in the division. Crime prevention and road safety information was distributed to motorists during the checkpoints and seven vehicles were seized for non compliance of various road traffic acts.

A number of searches were carried out as part of ongoing investigations, including two locations targeting reported drug crime.