THE DEPARTMENT of Health has been evacuated after a 'suspicious package' was discovered in the building.
Gardaí, the fire brigade and multiple ambulances are currently on the scene at the building on Miesian Plaza, Baggot Street in Dublin city centre.
It is understood that Defence Forces technicians are currently on the way to the scene in order to inspect the device and make it safe if needed.
Firefighters from Donnybrook and Tara St fire stations are currently attending an incident on Lower Baggot Street. Our HazMat unit is attending as a precaution. Traffic restrictions in place #Dublin #fire #traffic @DCCTraffic @aaroadwatch pic.twitter.com/IFdHrwDxdy
— Dublin Fire Brigade (@DubFireBrigade) August 25, 2020
According to The Journal, the alarm was raised shortly after 1pm this afternoon after a 'suspicious package' was discovered within the building.
All staff have been evacuated from the building and no one is allowed to enter while the package remains at the scene.
A spokesperson for An Garda Síochána confirmed the incident, with an officer stating:
"Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident on Baggot Street Lower.
"A suspicious parcel was discovered in the Department of Health."
Twitter users have been posting photographs and footage of the cordoned-off building surrounded by emergency service vehicles including the Fire Brigade and paramedics.
Ongoing situation at Dept of Health in Dublin.
Suspicious package found. Building evacuated@VirginMediaNews pic.twitter.com/GBd56WWKtW— Richard Chambers (@newschambers) August 25, 2020
The fire brigade's HazMat unit is attending the scene "as a precaution", a spokesperson for the Dublin Fire Brigade confirmed.
Traffic restrictions are in place in the surrounding area and the public are urged not to approach the scene.
Investigations are ongoing.
