Eighty gardaí are involved in the investigation into the attempted murder of Limerick gangland figure Christy Keane, a court has heard.
Details of the investigation were outlined at a special hearing of Kilmallock District Court, where gardaí were granted a further 72 hours to question a 37-year-old man arrested in connection with the shooting.
Keane was ambushed by two masked men armed with handguns in a car park outside the University of Limerick sports arena at 6.40am on Monday.
The 55-year-old remains in a stable condition at University Hospital Limerick.
A 37-year-old man was arrested in connection with the shooting at 9.40pm on Monday night, on suspicion of possession of a firearm with intent to endanger life.
He appeared before the special sitting of Kilmallock District Court this evening, where gardaí applied to extend his period of detention by a further 72 hours.
Garda investigation
Judge Marion O’Leary heard that 80 gardaí are involved in the investigation into the incident, with assistance from national support units.
The judge heard that CCTV footage is still being collected and viewed as part of the investigation, while 80 people have been interviewed as part of ongoing house to house inquiries.
The results of ballistic tests carried out on two firearms, shell casings and bullet fragments have yet to be put to the suspect.
Forensic tests are also being carried out on two vehicles found on fire after the shooting, the court heard.
In his application, Chief Supt Pat Sullivan said a number of witnesses have been interviewed but there are still more interviews to take place.
He said gardaí were following several “independent lines of inquiry” and are continuing to identify important witnesses.
He said the investigation was being carried out diligently and expeditiously.
The judge granted the application, allowing gardaí to detain the suspect until Saturday.