LIVE: Gardai investigate possible 'terrorism motivation' following army barracks attack

Gardai investigating a serious incident at Renmore Barracks in Galway say a "terrorism motivation" cannot be ruled out at this stage.

A man, an Army chaplain, sustained a number of stab wounds in the incident which occurred at around 10.45 on Thursday evening. While serious, his injuries are not life-threatening.

In addition to local garda members, the Special Detective Unit of An Garda Síochána is involved in this investigation.

"One line of enquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation," said a spokesperson in an update issued this Friday lunchtime.

"An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy. a thorough investigation is underway and all relevant bureaux have been engaged and are active in progressing this investigation," they added.

A teenage boy was detained by members of the Defence Forces shortly after the incident and he was later arrested by gardai at the scene.

"The suspect remains in detention and is being questioned in a garda station in the North Western region. Their period of detection has recently been extended," confirmed a garda spokesperson.

The Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, has spoken to the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy.

While precise details remain unclear, it's believed the Army chaplain, who is aged in his 50s, was approached by a youth outside the barracks and that he then ran through the barracks gate and was followed by the youth.

In a Facebook post, the army chaplain said: “Friends, thank you for your prayers, love and concern. Sorry that I can’t reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way. I’m doing okay; just awaiting surgery. All will be well.

In a statement, Bishop Michael Duignan said: “News of the assault on a Catholic priest, who is presently serving as chaplain to the Irish Defence Forces in Galway, is deeply shocking and upsetting. I pray for the injured man, asking God that he would make a full recovery. I pray too for his family, for his army colleagues and for the medical personnel who are tending to his injuries at this time.”

In a statement, Taoiseach Simon Harris, said: “I have been briefed on the shocking incident outside Renmore Barracks last night and my thoughts are with the member of the Defence Forces in hospital.

"I want to thank Defence Forces personnel and Gardai for their action and response,” he posted on the social network X, formerly Twitter.

I have been briefed on the shocking incident outside Renmore Barracks last night & my thoughts are with the member of the defence forces in hospital. I want to thank defence forces personnel & Gardai for their action and response.

— Simon Harris TD (@SimonHarrisTD) August 16, 2024

Tanaiste, and Minister for Defence, Micheal Martin has also condemned the attack.

“I condemn the violent attack at Renmore Barracks last night,” he posted on X.

“I commend the members of the Defence Forces on duty at the time, whose intervention was critical.“Our thoughts are with the Defence Forces member injured in the attack," he added.

A spokesman for the Defence Forces confirmed that warning shots were fired by on-duty personnel after the chaplain was attacked.

"This action was taken in strict accordance with established force protection protocols after a Defence Forces Chaplain was stabbed by a male civilian while awaiting entry to the barracks.

"Upon witnessing the assault, the soldiers on duty responded swiftly and appropriately to the immediate threat, using necessary force to ensure the safety of all personnel and to secure the area. This included the firing of live ammunition as warning shots." 

The statement added that the injured Defence Forces member received immediate first aid from Defence Forces personnel on duty before being transported to University Hospital Galway for further treatment.

Commenting on the incident, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, extended his best wishes to the injured Chaplain.

“Our thoughts are with our injured comrade, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. The well-being of our personnel is our utmost priority, and we will continue to support him during this time.”

Lieutenant General Clancy also commended the actions of the soldiers on duty on Thursday night. “The swift and decisive response by our personnel last night was exemplary, and in keeping with the highest standards of the Defence Forces and our values. Their professionalism ensured that a dangerous situation was quickly brought under control, protecting the lives of others in the vicinity. There is no doubt that their actions were critical in preventing further harm or loss of life.”

The Defence Forces spokesperson added that the assailant was "quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Siochana".