LAST UPDATE | 19 Mar

BOMB DISPOSAL EXPERTS from the Defence Forces have removed two suspect devices from Ballyfermot Road in southwest Dublin. 

Gardaí launched a significant operation shortly before 10am this morning after the devices were discovered in a bag outside a retail store on the road, close to the Cherry Orchard Hospital.

A cordon was put in place around the area and the Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team attended the scene.

In a statement, a Defence Forces spokesperson said bomb disposal experts attended the scene at 10.10am this morning following a request from gardaí.

“Following an assessment by the EOD team, two devices and other equipment were identified,” the spokesperson said.

“The devices were removed from the scene for further analysis and the scene was then handed over to AGS. This operation has now concluded.”

The cordon has been lifted and the road has since reopened.

A garda spokesperson said the EOD team removed a number of items from the scene for further analysis and that investigations into the matter are ongoing.

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.