Garda probe begins after pipe-bomb explodes under 4x4
Nobody was injured, but the blast caused significant damage to a Range Rover parked on Holycross Avenue, near Croke Park.
Gardaí attended the scene after reports of the blast came through at about 1.45am yesterday.
There has been a surge in pipe-bomb attacks this year as a result of gang feuds and personal vendettas.
This is the 15th bomb that has exploded so far, compared to six blasts in 2010, 10 in 2009 and three in 2008.
In addition, 40 viable — but unexploded — pipe-bombs have been made safe by army bomb disposal experts, in comparison to 21 devices in 2010 and 29 in 2009.
In yesterday’s explosion, residents in the area, which lies just off Clonliffe Road, heard a loud bang.
Gardaí said that the 4x4’s undercarriage was damaged and that some damage was also caused to the pavement.
The area was sealed off pending the arrival of an army explosive ordinance disposal team.
A spokesman for the Defence Forces said the team found a viable improvised explosive device which had “functioned” (ie, exploded) prior to their deployment.
“The team was deployed to examine the scene at an address on Clonliffe Road, Drumcondra, in response to a request by the gardaí,” said the spokesman.
“The team arrived on scene at 2.40am and removed the remains of the device to a secure military location for further analysis. They departed the scene at 3.27am.”
Gardaí are appealing for witnesses or anyone with information to contact Mountjoy Garda Station on 01 6668600 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
