LATEST: Defence Forces conduct "critical" exercise at Kildare shopping centre
Heavy presence of Army personnel and vehicles in the town
The Irish Defence Forces carried out a major military training exercise at the Whitewater Shopping Centre in Newbridge.
The operation occurred on Thursday evening, explaining a heavy presence of Army personnel and vehicles in the town.
A similar operation took place at Whitewater Shopping Centre in June.
An official statement from the Defence Forces said about Thursday evening's exercise: "Óglaigh na hÉireann wish to inform the general public in the vicinity of the Whitewater Shopping Centre (WWSC), Newbridge, Co. Kildare that they are conducting a routine mission readiness exercise.
"Mission readiness exercises are key activities undertaken by the Defence Forces and are critical in ensuring our personnel are fully prepared to conduct their assigned missions and tasks."