GARDAÍ HAVE LAUNCHED a significant operation in southwest Dublin following the discovery of a number of suspect devices in the Cherry Orchard area this afternoon.

The devices were found in a bag outside a retail store on Ballyfermot Road, close to the Cherry Orchard Hospital.

A security cordon has been put in place, with assistance requested from the Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team.

The incident comes less than 24 hours after a separate alert at Liffey Valley, where a suspect device was later deemed non-viable.

A man in his 30s was arrested in connection with that incident.

Local councillor Daithí Doolan described the latest discovery as “alarming and distressing” for the community.

“This is very worrying as it puts the general public at serious risk,” Doolan said.

“I would appeal to people to be vigilant and to report any suspicious activity to the Gardaí.”

He also called on Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan to ensure gardaí have the resources needed to respond to such incidents.

“This level of crime puts our community at risk. It is totally unacceptable and must be stopped. We can not let the criminals win,” Doolan added.

Gardaí have asked members of the public to avoid the area and to report any suspicious activity as investigations continue.