Locals evacuated after Defence Forces destroy explosives found in Kilkenny shed

Members of the Defence Forces were called to the Thomastown area yesterday evening where they destroyed a consignment of explosives which were discovered in a shed.

It is believed that the explosives are historical in nature and are not connected to criminality.

Local people in the area had to be evacuated from their homes after the explosives were found and a number of military vehicles descended on the area.

“At approximately 3pm on Friday 8 May 2020, it was reported to Gardaí that a number of suspect devices were discovered at an abandoned building in Thomastown, County Kilkenny,” a staement from the Garda Press Office said.

“The area was sealed off and the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit attended the scene and carried out a controlled explosion.

“A number of similar devices were discovered in an adjoining building and a controlled explosion was also carried out on these devices.”