Bomb disarmed in offaly

An Army Bomb Disposal Team rendered safe a viable Improvised Explosive Device (IED) near Fivealley near Birr in Co Offaly this afternoon.

The Defence Forces deployed the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team after a suspect device was found near a private residence.

A cordon and road closures were put in place for public safety and a small number of nearby houses were evacuated.

The team arrived on scene at 2.15 pm. The device was made safe at the scene without the need for a controlled explosion and was taken away for further examination. It was later confirmed as viable.

The Defence Forces said items of an evidential nature will be handed over to the Gardaí to assist them with their investigation. The scene was declared safe at 3.15 pm.