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Investigation Underway After Bomb Squad Remove Device From DPD Site In Westmeath

Tuesday, 15 February 2022 06:50

Photo Credit: Military.ie

The historical item was deemed not viable after the Defence Forces attended the scene.

An investigation is underway after the bomb squad was called to a parcel distribution centre in Athlone last night. 

They were alerted following the discovery of a suspicious item during a routine security check by DPD staff just after 7pm.

The army spent just over an hour on site making the device safe, subsequently removing the items for further investigation after they were deemed not viable. 

The centre was evacuated of staff and a nearby supermarket also closed its doors while this took place. 

DPD CEO Des Travers said: 

“The safety of our staff is of utmost importance to us.

"The response of the emergency services was tremendous and I would particularly like to complement them for averting what could have been a major disaster. DPD Ireland has a contingency plan in place for such an emergency and the various elements of this plan were successfully implemented this evening.” 

DPD issued the following statement on the event:

"During a routine security and customs check within our distribution centre in Athlone this evening, a suspicious parcel was identified. As a precaution, the centre was evacuated and An Garda Siochana took control of the site.

"Due to this disturbance which occurred at 19.00 on Monday, 14th of February, operations were suspended for a number of hours, however have returned to normal."

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