Irishman among 70 Europeans evacuated from Ivory Coast

An Irishman is among a group of Europeans who have been evacuated from the Ivory Coast to escape increasing violence in the region.

Riots have broken out between French peacekeeping troops and pro-government supporters in the West African State.

The Irishman was flown to Madrid this morning on a Spanish airforce plane, along with over 70 citizens from Spain, Portugal and Belgium.

A spokesperson for the Department of Foreign Affairs said they were monitoring the situation, but that at this stage they are not aware of any other Irish people in danger in the Ivory Coast.