A man died in a hail of bullets in a gangland attack in Dublin.
The victim, named locally as Paddy Lyons, in his mid-40s, was hit up to five times in Belclare Terrace, Ballymun, at around 9pm on Thursday.
Gardai and paramedics raced to the scene but the victim died. Officers immediately cordoned off the area as they covered the murdered man’s body with a blanket.
Dublin TD Paul McAuliffe said: “While we do not know the details or if it is drugs-related, we do know that Ballymun like many communities is in the grip of the drugs industry.
A Garda spokeswoman said: “Gardai are investigating a fatal shooting incident that occurred in Belclare Terrace, Ballymun, Dublin this evening, Thursday 11th February 2021 at 9pm.
“A male, aged in his mid-40s, received a number of gunshot wounds and has been pronounced dead at the scene.
“The scene is currently preserved and a technical examination is to be carried out by the Garda Technical Bureau.”
Mr McAuliffe added: “DCC are preparing a community report and Government must respond to it.
“The hearts of many community people will sink tonight seeing bad news about Ballymun in the media, knowing this has started feuding in the past and that many people with addiction are being exploited by those making millions.
“We actually had a really positive community meeting online tonight talking about the future of Ballymun but we warned that the drugs industry would hold us all back.”
Local Fianna Fail Councillor Keith Connolly said: “Very disturbing news of a shooting in Ballymun this evening.”
A Garda spokeswoman added: “An incident room has been established at Ballymun Garda Station.
“Gardaí are appealing for anyone with information in relation to this incident to come forward.
“Gardaí are particularly appealing to anyone who was in the Belclare Terrace and Belclare Park areas this evening between 8pm and 9.15pm to come forward.
“Anyone who may have camera footage of the incident (including dash-cam and mobile phone footage) is asked to make it available to investigating Gardaí.
“Anyone with any information in relation to this matter should contact Ballymun Garda Station on 01 666 4400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.”
