Garda patrols on Border and in Dublin upgraded

GARDA patrols along the Border and in Dublin have been strengthened in the wake of the Lisburn bombing, the Garda Commissioner confirmed yesterday.

Mr Pat Byrne was speaking to reporters in Templemore after presiding at the first passing out parade of Garda graduates since his appointment.

Mr Byrne said the reality remained that there was a loyalist ceasefire and he did not want to anticipate a different scenario. But he said the Garda had to be "operationally ready for any consequent developments in the aftermath of Lisburn" and the necessary steps had been taken.

The Assistant Commissioner, Mr Joe Long, had held meetings with senior staff in Border areas, he said, and there was ongoing liaison with the RUC.

Mr Byrne had also discussed the situation with the Army Chief of Staff and extra military resources were available to the Garda "if and when we need them".

Meanwhile, widespread disruption was caused during rush hour in Dublin late yesterday afternoon when a bomb alert at the Central Bank halted traffic on Dame Street and surrounding areas. The alert was declared a hoax by gardai after about two hours.