Suspicious Device Discovered in Dublin Office Building Near Merrion Square

A “crude but viable” explosive device was discovered in a Dublin office building on Friday afternoon, prompting an emergency response from the Defence Forces.

The device was found in a building on the north side of Merrion Square shortly after 2:20pm, according to reports from the Irish Examiner.

The discovery occurred while the capital was already under heavy security. Dublin has been hosting the European Political Community (EPC) summit, a high-profile event that has necessitated a security lockdown and traffic disruptions around the Merrion Square area for several days.

Gardaí responded to the report of the suspicious object and requested the assistance of the Defence Forces’ Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team. The bomb squad utilized a bomb disposal robot and remotely operated vehicles to manage the situation, the Irish Examiner reported.

Army bomb disposal unit investigating suspicious object at Dublin’s Merrion Square — The Journal

The response led to the establishment of a cordon around the site. While some reports indicated that buildings were evacuated, The Journal noted that a number of buildings were evacuated as a result of the incident.

The National Gallery of Ireland, which served as a major venue for the summit, was not the site of the device. Taoiseach Micheál Martin had hosted EU heads of state and government for a dinner at the gallery on Thursday night, and the museum was not evacuated during Friday’s operation, The Irish Times reported.

Bomb disposal unit called to Merrion Square over "suspicious package". — Virgin Media News

Public transport was also impacted by the emergency response. Around 3:15pm, Dublin Bus informed passengers that Merrion Square North would be closed until further notice due to the incident, resulting in diversions for several routes, The Journal reported.

“Based on initial Garda assessment the Defence Forces EOD (explosive ordnance disposal) team were requested to attend the scene. The EOD team has made what is a crude but viable device safe. A garda investigation into this device has commenced,” a garda spokeswoman told The Journal.

The nature of the object remains a central focus for investigators. Sources told The Journal that it was understood to be similar to a firework attached to a can of flammable liquid.

Suspicious Device Discovered in Dublin Office Building Near Merrion Square — Photo: Irish Examiner

Gardaí have confirmed that a formal investigation into the device has commenced. The incident took place inside the security zone established for the European Political Community meeting and the subsequent informal meeting of EU leaders.

The presence of the device in a central office building during a period of intense international diplomatic activity raises questions regarding the security perimeter maintained during the summit. An investigation is ongoing.