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Hoax bomb threat causes street closures in Cork city centre

Security operation stood down after claims that explosives had been placed in locations including Mercy Hospital

Plans were made to evacuate Mercy University Hospital, Cork, after a bomb threat, but the security operation has since been stood down. File picture: Google street view
Plans were made to evacuate Mercy University Hospital, Cork, after a bomb threat, but the security operation has since been stood down. File picture: Google street view
Olivia Kelleher
Fri Nov 24 2023 - 12:43

A hoax security threat led to the closing off of a number of streets in Cork city centre on Friday morning, after a person made a phone call to fire control in Anglesea Street claiming bombs had been placed in a number of locations.

The caller claimed bombs had been placed in the court house on Washington Street and nearby Mercy University Hospital. The call was placed at around 11am.

Gardaí and emergency services, including the fire brigade, attended the locations and areas were sealed off as a precautionary measure. Bus services were disrupted and traffic diversions were put in place. Plans were being put in place to evacuate the hospital.

The security operation was later stood down.

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“Gardaí are aware of a number of security alerts at several locations in Cork city this morning. Following further enquiries An Garda Síochána is satisfied that all of the alerts have been deemed as a hoax and the areas have been declared safe,” the Garda said in a statement.