A member of the Defence Forces fired a warning shot in Portlaoise Prison last night.
The soldier discharged a single round of 5.56mm ammunition at 7pm in response to a security incident at the perimeter of the prison complex.
It is understood a group of men were trying to throw mobile phones into the jail. A number of phones were recovered after the men fled following the shot.
The Co Laois facility is the State’s highest security jail. It is not clear if the men were attempting to throw the phones into Portlaoise Prison or the adjacent Midlands Prison.
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An investigation into the firing of the warning shot is being carried out by the Garda, the Prison Service and Irish Army authorities.