Ballyfermot shooting victim stable; Councillor claims shootings at 'epidemic' levels

Gardaí investigating last night's shooting in Dublin are looking into the possibility that dissident republicans were involved.

A 26-year-old man is said to be in a stable condition in hospital after being shot outside his home at Lally Road in Ballyfermot.

At around 8.45pm, a gunman approached the victim outside his family home and shot him at least once in the back before fleeing on foot.

The injured man stumbled into the house and was rushed to St. James Hospital where he is said to be in a stable condition and is expected to live.

One line of inquiry being pursued by Gardaí is that the attack had something to do with dissident republican activity.

Residents say they are disgusted by what has happened and local Councillor Claire Byrne says something needs to be done about the "epidemic" of shootings.

A total of 13 people have met violent deaths in Dublin since the start of the year and Gardaí are investigating several other attempted hits.

A technical examination is underway at the scene of last night's shooting and Gardaí are calling for anyone with information to come forward.