A man in his 50s has been arrested after bomb disposal experts were rushed to Kilkenny city centre this morning following the discovery of a "suspect device".
The device was found at a shop between High Street and St Kieran's Street, and was reported to gardai at 6am.
Members of the Defence Forces' bomb disposal team are currently on the way to the scene.
AA Roadwatch confirmed High Street in Kilkenny between the Vicar St and Patrick St junctions has been closed off to the public as the operation continues.
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A garda spokeswoman said: "Gardaí in Kilkenny are at the scene of an incident this morning the 16th May, 2019 at ‘Butterslip’ between High Street and St Kieran's Street.
"A suspect device is believed to be at the scene. EOD are en route.
"The road remains closed. Local diversions are in place.
"In a follow up search Gardaí have arrested one man, late 50s, and he is currently detained under Section 30 OASA, 1939 at Kilkenny GS. Investigations ongoing."
