Residents of a plush north Dublin suburb were evacuated from their homes this afternoon after a viable grenade was discovered in a nearby laneway.
The grenade, which is believed to date from the Irish Civil War, was discovered by a local in a laneway off Dunluce Road in Clontarf.
Gardai and an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team raced to the scene and sealed off the area.
The EOD carried out a controlled explosion on the device, which was uncovered following recent construction work in the area.
A garda spokeswoman told Dublin Live: "A resident alerted Gardaí to what they believed to have been a grenade.
"This was located after work at an area off a laneway at the Dunluce Rd Clontarf. The EOD team attended and the scene was sealed off .
"Neighbours were evacuated while the EOD safely carried out a controlled explosion of this device which was viable. This appears to be historical."
An Army spokesperson added: "Earlier this afternoon, following a request from An Garda Síochána, an Army Bomb Disposal Team was tasked to investigate a suspect device in Clontarf, Dublin. The team arrived on scene at 2.35pm.
"On arrival a cordon was established and nearby buildings evacuated for the duration of the operation.
"A Civil War era grenade was identified and disposed of on site. The team departed the scene 4.00pm.
"Should members of the public encounter suspicious items, or hazardous substances, they are advised to maintain a safe distance and inform An Garda Síochána."
