A STRONG GARDA presence was still felt on the streets of Dublin today following recent gangland violence.

Checkpoints are in place at a number of locations throughout the city, as gardaí prepare for the funerals of two men who were killed in separate shootings.

An armed Garda checkpoint was also visible this afternoon near the home in Crumlin where murdered man David Byrne is being waked.

Byrne was killed on Friday 5 February when gunmen armed with assault rifles stormed into the Regency Hotel in Drumcondra in Dublin and opened fire, shooting him dead and injuring two others.

His wake is taking place at his parents’ home in Crumlin. His funeral will take place on Monday at 12:30pm in the south inner city.

Two Garda checkpoints were set up near the entrance of the home this afternoon, with about 10-12 Garda present. Members of the armed unit were also present.

A steady stream of cars was being checked as they drove through the estate, with people regularly coming and going throughout the day.

Byrne’s wake is expected to continue for the weekend, with gardaí reportedly being concerned about the length of the event and the fact that it is being held in the family home.

Byrne is survived by his daughters Daisy and Dottie, his parents Sadie and Jemmy and his partner Kellie.

Funerals

Byrne was a known associate of the Kinahan crime gang, an Irish drug cartel based in Spain.

On Monday, Eddie Hutch Senior, brother of Gerry ‘The Monk’ Hutch, was shot dead in his home. The shooting is believed to be a retaliation for the attack in the Regency Hotel.

Gardaí near the scene where Hutch was killed RollingNews.ie RollingNews.ie

In the aftermath of the attacks, gardaí said that there would be a plan in place in relation to the funerals of both men.

“We will prepare a detailed operational plan in relation to the funerals of the deceased people who have died in the last couple of days,” Assistant Commissioner Jack Nolan said at a press conference on Tuesday evening.

Gardaí also said that they were conscious of the possibility of further retaliations in the wake of the attacks and that a stronger presence would be seen on the streets over the coming days and weeks if necessary.

Read: Eddie Hutch investigation: Gardaí await DNA test results from getaway car

Read: Call for election campaign to be suspended over threat to State security from gangland crime