A STREET in Dublin was closed off yesterday evening as the bomb squad inspected a suspect device discovered in a canal.
The Army's Explosive Ordnance Disposal Unit were called to the scene and closed the street before making safe the device, which was found to be a grenade left over from the Irish War of Independence.
The device was discovered in the water at Harold's Cross Bridge at approximately 8.30pm yesterday evening, Thursday 14 May, and an area close to Dublin's Grand Canal was cordoned off to keep citizens safe while the grenade was examined.
The Mills grenade, believed to be from between the years 1919 - 1921, was made safe and removed by the Army unit before the streets were reopened to traffic and pedestrians.
A statement from the Defence Forces confirmed the incident, and said that the device was rendered safe and the team departed the area after approximately two hours.
"This evening, following a request from An Garda Síochána, an Army Bomb Disposal Team was tasked to investigate a suspected grenade found at Harold's Cross Bridge, Dublin. The team arrived at the scene at approximately 8.30pm," the Defence Forces said in a statement.
"On arrival a cordon was established for the duration of the operation. The item was assessed to be a War of Independence-era Mills grenade and was rendered safe at the scene. The team departed the scene at approximately 10.30pm.
"Should members of the public encounter suspicious items, or hazardous substances, they are advised to maintain a safe distance and inform An Garda Síochána."
