Connolly train station closed as explosive device is made safe

Two platforms in Dublin’s Connolly train station were closed yesterday afternoon as the Army bomb disposal unit rendered safe…

Two platforms in Dublin’s Connolly train station were closed yesterday afternoon as the Army bomb disposal unit rendered safe a viable improvised explosive device outside a private residence on a nearby street.

The team was deployed to Preston Street after the suspect device was found outside the residence.

The team arrived on scene at 3.20pm, and a cordon and traffic restrictions were put in place “for public safety”, said a spokesman for the Defence Forces.

The rail lines in the vicinity were also shut down “as a precaution”.

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The suspect device was rendered safe in situ without the need for a controlled explosion, and was then moved to a military location for further examination and testing. The scene was declared safe at 4pm.

The device was confirmed as a viable improvised explosive device following further testing, and its component parts will be handed over to gardaí to assist in their investigation.

Preston Street was later reopened, as were platforms six and seven of Connolly station. The disruption caused delays of 10 minutes to services during the rush hour.

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson

Colin Gleeson is an Irish Times reporter