Man to face court after state buildings in Dublin targeted in ramming incidents

A man is set to appear in court after several landmark state buildings in Dublin were targeted in a series of overnight ramming incidents.

A white van was seized after damage was caused to the gates of Government Buildings; the adjacent back gate of the parliament at Leinster House; the official residence of President Michael D Higgins in Phoenix Park; and the Custom House, where the Department of Housing is located.

A man in his 40s was detained after the last of the incidents at Government Buildings/Leinster House on Merrion Street.

It is understood gardai are linking the incidents at the various city locations but have ruled out any terror-related motive.

On Merrion Street, a number of the gates were significantly damaged, including those at the Department of the Taoiseach at Government Buildings.

A gate at the Attorney General’s office was lying off its hinges on Friday morning.

It is understood the man was arrested near the scene of those incidents.

A damaged white van was towed away from the area at around 8.20am.

Garda commissioner Drew Harris was seen observing the damage in a Garda car driven slowly past Government Buildings shortly before 10am.

Some damage was also caused at the gates of the Custom House close to the River Liffey.

On Friday night a Garda spokesperson said: “The man arrested in connection with this incident remains in Garda custody and is scheduled to appear before Dublin District Court, Criminal Courts of Justice No. 2, at 10:30 am tomorrow morning, Saturday August 3 2024, charged in connection with the case.”