LAST UPDATE | 2 Apr 2019

GARDAÍ IN WEST Dublin have initiated an investigation this afternoon, after an incident where shots were fired outside a school just before classes for the day ended and parents were waiting to collect their children.

The incident took place at approximately 3.40pm on Blanchardstown Road North in the Corduff area outside Riversdale Community College.

Security sources told TheJournal.ie that a number of shots were fired during the incident and that the intended target was “extremely lucky” not to have suffered any injuries. 

A lone gunman appeared to target a man in his 20s who was waiting outside the school. The gunman ran in the direction of Corduff Grove.

Gardaí said a number of people were arrested at the scene, and released following searches.

A number of searches were carried out in the Corduff area this evening, with the assistance of the emergency response unit and armed support units. No further arrests have been made.

Gardaí believe a local gang feud in the area is the motive behind the shooting. 

A spokesperson also confirmed that no persons were injured during the incident.

This evening, Superintendent William Carolan condemned the attack and has appealed for anyone with information to come forward.

In particular, he is appealing for anyone in the area of the community college between 3pm and 3.40pm to contact gardaí.

Anyone who drove along Blanchardstown Road North or Corduff Grove who may have dashcam footage is urged to make contact.

Furthermore, gardaí are also keen to hear from anyone who observed any usual activity in and around the school in recent days to come forward.

Those with information are urged to call Blanchardstown Garda Station on 01 666 9700, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any garda station. 

In a series of statements, local representatives in the area condemned the incident.

Labour TD Joan Burton said: “That someone could act with such impunity where children are being taught is deeply troubling.

Unfortunately a small number of people are putting the good name of the whole community at risk but this escalation of feuding and violence must be tackled… This type of shooting cannot be allowed become the norm.

Fianna Fáil’s Jack Chambers said today’s incident set a “very alarming precedent”. 

“For such an incident to occur in a residential area within yards of a school in the middle of a weekday afternoon is not normal and should not be treated as a normal part of everyday life,” he said.

Sinn Féin Councillor Paul Donnelly said: “It beggars belief that a person would put the lives of school children in danger like this.”

With reporting from Garreth MacNamee