Taoiseach 'Deeply Shocked And Saddened' Following Attack In Nice

Taoiseach Enda Kenny has said he is "deeply shocked and saddened" following the attack in Nice, in which 84 people where killed and at least 50 injured, 18 seriously.

In a statement released on the Department of the Taoiseach's website, Mr Kenny said: "I am deeply shocked and saddened at this horrific attack in Nice. Once again innocent people have been targeted at an occasion of joy and celebration. French people have suffered appallingly and have again been the victim of cynical, and wanton violence. We cannot and will not yield to this malevolence.

"On behalf of myself, the Government and the Irish people I want to express our deepest sympathies and our solidarity to President Hollande and to all of France."

Thousands of people were celebrating France's national holiday, Bastille Day, along Promenade des Anglais, when a large truck travelling at speed mounted the pavement, deliberating hitting pedestrians. A number of children are understood to be among the dead.

The Tánaiste and Minister for Justice and Equality, Frances Fitzgerald, described Thursday night's attack as "an unspeakably evil outrage".

In a statement released on the Department of Justice and Equality website, the Tánaiste said: "Whatever its motivation, it seems clear that its intent was to kill, wound and terrorise ordinary people enjoying the freedoms we cherish so much.

"An Garda Síochána will, of course, be liaising closely with their French and other international counterparts about the attack and continue to take whatever measures are necessary to deal with the threat from terrorism.

"This is yet another time of great anguish for the people of France. All who cherish democracy will stand with them in the knowledge that our values will ultimately prevail in the face of such savagery."

And Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade, Charlie Flanagan, also said: "(The) terrible events in Nice have left me deeply shocked and saddened. I deplore the loss of life, and offer heartfelt condolences to the people of France from the people of Ireland.

"This attack on people as they celebrated Bastille Day with friends and family on a fine summer's evening is particularly horrendous, and my thoughts and sympathies are with the relatives of the dead and injured.

"My Department is monitoring the situation closely, and our Ambassador in France Geraldine Byrne Nason and her staff are seeking to establish whether any Irish citizens have been caught up in this evening's tragic events. Our Embassy in Paris is on stand-by to offer assistance to any Irish people affected by these events and the staff of the Embassy are on duty and monitoring the situation closely.

"Irish citizens in Nice who need to contact the Embassy can do so at 0144176700, and are advised to exercise caution and follow instructions of local authorities. Consular staff in my Department are also on hand to take calls from concerned families here in Ireland and they may be contacted at any time at 01 408 2000."

(MH/CD)