Commissioner Condemns Shooting Incident In Dublin

The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has condemned a shooting incident, which resulted in the injury of a Garda this morning in Dublin.

The incident occurred on Greenfort Close, Clondalkin, Dublin at approximately 1.15am.

Gardaí were investigating reports of firebomb damage to a house, when a number of shots were discharged in the direction of a neighbouring house, one of which entered through the front door where three members of An Garda Síochána were speaking with the resident.

One of them, understood to be a sergeant, received injuries to his hands and body from flying glass after five shots were fired into the hallway where the Gardaí were standing talking to the resident of the house.

The officers were forced to take cover, although Gardaí believe the members were not specifically targeted. It is currently believed that an empty house next door was the intended target, with the gunman firing at the other house by mistake before running away.

Speaking in response to the attack, the Garda Commissioner said: "I want to condemn this deplorable attack which put the lives of Gardaí and members of the public at risk. I have directed that the local Gardaí in Ronanstown who are investigating the incident receive whatever assistance and support their require from national units in order to bring those responsible to justice."

The Commissioner's statement comes only hours after he spoke of "sadness" at the death of Garda Gary McLoughlin, 24, who died after he was involved in a collision with a car while chasing a vehicle towards the border in Donegal.

He added: "These two Gardaí were injured while out in service of the community. I hope that both of them make a full recovery."

The road traffic collision occurred at Lisfannon, Co. Donegal on the road from Letterkenny to Bridgend at approximately 1.30am yesterday morning.

Two members of An Garda Siochana were taken to Letterkenny General Hospital following the collision.

The driver and lone occupant of the second car was also taken to Letterkenny General Hospital.

Gardai wish to appeal for witnesses to this collision to contact Buncrana Garda Station on 074-9320540.

Alternatively anyone with information about either incident can contact the Garda Confidential Telephone Line is 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.

The Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy has condemned an incident which occurred this morning (13/12/09) in which shots were fired at Gardaí.

(DW/KMcA)