Gardaí believe discovery of suspected pipe bombs linked to violent gang feud in West Dublin

Bag containing suspicious devices found by walker beside the Grand Canal on Saturday

A member of the army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team holds a suspected pipe bomb at Ballyfermot Garda Station, which was evacuated on Monday afternoon. Pictures: Colin Keegan/Collins 

Gardaí suspect the discovery of suspected pipe bombs in West Dublin may be linked to a violent feud between gangs in the north Clondalkin area.

Ballyfermot Garda Station had to be cleared on Monday when a man walked into the reception area and told a garda at the counter he had discovered a bag containing the objects during a walk along the Grand Canal.

“Once the garda looked into the bag, the station was cleared of everyone,” a Garda source said.

The area was sealed off and the army’s bomb disposal squad was requested.

Experts from the Explosive Ordnance Disposal team removed the devices to a secure location. 

After conducting an examination, they declared the devices were not viable.

“Local criminals are using these devices,” one source said. “Gardaí are investigating if these ones are linked to the feud in Ronanstown.” 

The feud has been going on for more than a year and involves a number of very young people conducting violent attacks.

Ballyfermot Garda Station, which was evacuated on Monday afternoon.

In some cases, the attacks have been recorded on mobile phones and uploaded onto social media.

Most recently, there was a drive-by shooting in the Shancastle area of Quarryvale, adjacent to Ronanstown, on November 17 last.

Prior to that, there have been arson attacks on homes and a number of machete attacks.

One of the feuding gangs has links to a once notorious drug boss now living in Spain. He has a number of associates still living in the north Clondalkin area.

Officers believe the pipe bombs could have been intended for use in the feud, either as a scare, or, after being made viable, used in an arson attack.

Sources said a man was walking along the path beside the Grand Canal on Saturday when he came across a bag with a number of suspicious devices inside. 

He then carried the bag to nearby Ballyfermot Garda Station.