Hi °C | Lo °C A MAN has been arrested after two suspected pipe bombs were found in a residence above a Fine Gael TD’s office.
Several homes and a pub were evacuated in Newcastle West, Co Limerick, last night after the devices were found after 10pm.
They were located in rented accommodation above the constituency offices of Patrick O'Donovan.
Gardai closed off Maiden Street in the town immediately after the find and a man was arrested in connection with the investigation.
Mr O'Donovan, who became a TD for the first time following the 2011 General Election, was in the Dail last night.
Following the discovery, gardai began to evacuate nearby homes in the street as a safety precaution.
Residents in at least seven homes had to seek accommodation elsewhere while Cartlidge's pub was forced to close early.
Some of those who had to leave their homes booked into a nearby hotel. Traffic was also diverted away from the street.
The defence force's bomb disposal team were alerted and arrived to the scene in the west Limerick town in the early hours of this morning.
After examination, the devices were declared non-viable by defence forces members.
The arrested man is being held at Henry Street garda station in Limerick under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.
Prior to becoming a Fine Gael TD two years ago, Mr O'Donovan - a qualified primary school teacher - previously worked as a councillor with Limerick County Council.
