A man was arrested Dublin’s north inner city on Tuesday for allegedly engaging in “threatening behaviour” while in possession of a knife.
The suspect was detained at about 9am and remained in Garda custody on Tuesday afternoon.
The man is known to gardaí in central Dublin and has been arrested several times before for public order incidents. The Irish Times understands he has suffered from mental health issues.
Tuesday’s incident was being viewed by gardaí as an extension of his previous behaviour rather than any deliberate targeting.
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He was alleged to have been carrying a knife and to have brandished it at a bus carrying children.
In a statement, An Garda Síochána said it had been “conducting regular patrols in this area and these patrols will continue”.
The principal of Gaelscoil Choláiste Mhuire on Parnell Square, Pól Hansard, wrote to parents and guardians following the incident.
“Some of the children from the créche were sat on their bus, with the door closed, about to depart to head over to the school, a man approached the bus.
“He was aggressive towards the bus driver and was acting erratic. The children arrived to the school safe and no one was hurt.”
Sinn Féin leader Mary Lou McDonald said the incident highlighted the need for “proper investment of resources” in the north inner city.
“People who live in the inner city are absolutely incredulous at the Government’s claim that the city centre is safe. I say this as a proud Dubliner - this is not the case,” she said, in a statement.
A statement from the Garda said: “Following an incident this morning in the Parnell Square area of Dublin city centre where alleged threatening behaviour was undertaken, a male (30s) has been arrested for alleged offences under the Firearms and Offences Weapons Act.
“The male is currently in custody in a Dublin city centre Garda station. There are no injuries reported as a result of this incident.”
The Garda added members of the force were “liaising with the local community and anyone impacted by the incident”.
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