LAST UPDATE | 4 Mar 2019

THE DEPARTMENT OF Health on Dublin’s Baggot St has reopened after being evacuated this afternoon. 

An envelope full of non-hazardous white powder was sent to the building, prompting the evacuation. 

Minister for Health Simon Harris was inside at the time. The minister and all staff in the department were removed to safety. It’s understood the minister was not in the room when the envelope was opened.

The Minister has since thanked the emergency services for their diligence in responding to the issue:

Following the discovery, staff members exposed to the powder were told they have to be ‘cleaned’ and isolated, sources said. 

Technicians from the Defence Forces have since confirmed that the powder was non-hazardous and was handed over to the Gardaí, who attended the scene along with Defence Force members at the building on Miesian Plaza, the site of the former Bank of Ireland.

A Defence Forces spokesperson confirmed bomb disposal experts had been deployed this afternoon. 

The Department tweeted that emergency services had cleared access to the building shortly after 2.30pm and that staff were allowed return. 

The emergency services have now cleared access to the building. Staff may return as required.

— Department of Health (@roinnslainte) March 4, 2019

- Additional reporting from Michelle Hennessy at the scene, Daragh Brophy, Sinéad O’Carroll and Garreth MacNamee