Man arrested after fatal shooting in Athy, Co Kildare

A 22 year old man has died after a shooting in Co Kildare.

The incident happened after 5pm on Friday evening in the Greenhills estate in Athy.

The man, who was shot a number of times, was taken to Naas General Hospital but died shortly later.

Gardaí have launched a murder investigation and have arrested a man in his early 40s in connection with the investigation into the shooting.

The arrested man is currently detained at Kildare Garda Station under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007.

Local Fianna Fail Councillor Martin Miley said his thoughts and prayers are with the affected family at this time and the local community are in shock.

Mr Miley said there is a “major issue” with a lack of Garda resources in the town and that crime levels have reached “crisis point”.

“There have been pipe bombs, drive by shooting and numerous other serious crimes,” he said.

Mr Miley said there is only one garda for 664 people in the area compared to a national average of 335 people to one garda.

Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact them at Kildare Garda station on 045 527730, the Garda confidential line 1800 666111 or any Garda station.