Bomb disposal unit at Social Democrats HQ deem suspect package alert ‘not credible’

Suspect package found at offices on South Frederick Street, with security cordon put in place

The Social Democrats party offices on Frederick Street in Dublin. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times
The Social Democrats party offices on Frederick Street in Dublin. Photograph: Chris Maddaloni/The Irish Times

The offices of the Social Democrats in Dublin’s south inner city were evacuated and sealed off after a report of a suspect package was made to the emergency services. However, after a security operation involving gardaí and Defence Forces personnel, lasting several hours, the alert was found to lack credibility.

Gardaí and Army bomb disposal experts were at the scene at lunchtime, after the alarm was raised at about 10.30am, and a security cordon remained in place in the event the package may be explosive or contain other hazardous material.

However, in reply to queries later on Friday, the Garda confirmed that matter had been a false alarm.

“Gardaí were alerted to a suspicious package on the grounds of a premises on South Frederick Street, Dublin 2 at approximately 10.30am. Following enquiries, the alert was not found to be credible. Investigations are ongoing.”

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Conor Lally

Conor Lally

Conor Lally is Security and Crime Editor of The Irish Times