Gardai and Army deployed following discovery of 'suspicious device' at construction site in Limerick

Explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the Defence Forces attended the scene | FILE PHOTO

placeholder image — Explosive ordnance disposal specialists from the Defence Forces attended the scene | FILE PHOTO

GARDAI and the army responded to reports of a "suspicious device" at the €80m Opera Site development in Limerick city this Tuesday.

A garda spokesperson said at approximately 10.30am, gardai from Henry Street station attended having been alerted to the discovery.

"A suspicious device was located on the property and the services of Army EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) were requested. The device was removed by the EOD for further analysis," said the garda spokesperson, who confirmed there were no road closures as a result.

A Defence Forces spokesperson said their presence in Limerick city concerned the "collection and disposal of historical munitions on request of An Garda Siochana".

The discovery comes the day after Limerick Twenty Thirty and Ireland Strategic Investment Fund announced the creation of a unique joint venture partnership to finance the development of the One Opera Square project.

Contracts signed for design and construction of €80 million development in Limerick

Limerick Live has learned that during excavation, construction workers found a canon ball which, it's believed, could even date from the Siege of Limerick.

Once the garda authorities were alerted the scene was cordoned off and the EOD team called to ensure there was no risk to workers or the public.