Gardaí conducting a routine patrol in Finglas, Dublin, have discovered a rifle concealed in bushes.
The attention of the gardaí on duty was drawn to a location on Dunsink Lane just after 10.30pm when they observed suspicious activity there.
And when they went to investigate they discovered the rifle hidden in bushes and shrubs. Those members of the Finglas District Detective Unit who found the gun then made it safe before it was sent to the Garda Ballistics Unit for analysis.
Chief Supt Michael McNulty, of the Blanchardstown Garda Division said taking the gun and ammunition out of circulation was a significant development.
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“I would like to commend the Garda members involved in this excellent seizure for helping to ensure another dangerous firearm is off our streets,” he said.
“This seizure was the result of ongoing proactive patrols in the DMR West where Gardaí continue to maintain a presence, and is yet another example of the tireless work conducted by Gardaí patrolling our streets every day to help keep people safe”.
The seizure of the firearm comes at a time when gardaí based in Finglas, and the wider west Dublin region, are engaged in ongoing policing operations trying to contain simmering feuds.
There have been a number of gun murders in Finglas in the last two years - Brandon Ledwidge (23) last November and James Whelan (29) - which gardaí are fearful may yet lead to future fatal gun violence.
Furthermore, last December Jason Hennessy (48), Corduff, was shot dead in a Blanchardstown restaurant by Finglas man Tristan Sherry (26), who was overpowered at the scene and killed. That incident, on Christmas Eve also has significant potential to escalated into a protracted feud.
Gardaí have been engaged in a number of operations against the gangs, in Finglas and close-by, they are most concerned about, with firearms and drugs seized and arrests made over the last 12 months.
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