Homes evacuated as bomb disarmed at Ballybrit halting site

A Defence Forces bomb disposal unit dealt with a viable explosive device found at a halting site in Ballybrit, Co Galway last night.

Residents at the site were evacuated at around 11.15pm on Sunday after a member of the community stumbled upon an improvised explosive device in an area close to the Ballybrit Industrial Estate.

The Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal team was called out and made the device safe, without the need for a controlled explosion.

The scene was declared safe at 2.25am.

The item was removed to a “secure military location” for a subsequent inspection. A Defence Forces spokesman confirmed the device was viable.

Gardaí have now begun an investigation and evidence has been provided by the Defence Forces.