A MAN HAS been arrested suspected of making threats online against the Taoiseach and his family.

It is understood the threat was issued via a social media platform last weekend and is believed to have contained a threat of an attack on Simon Harris and his family.

In a statement issued this morning the Garda Press Office said investigators had made an arrest in the northwest region.

“Gardaí investigating online threats against an elected representative have arrested a male in his 40s, this morning Sunday 11th August, 2024,” the press office said.

“The male in his 40s is currently detained under Section 4 Criminal Justice Act, 1984 at a Garda Station in the Garda North Western Region.

“An Garda Síochána is not providing any further information at this time.”

Security incidents

There have been a number of incidents relating to the Taoiseach’s security since Harris took office earlier this year.

On 26 June last gardaí were called to the home of Harris in Delgany in County Wicklow following a bomb threat

Separately, gardaí are also investigating an incident outside Harris’s home in May, when a group of anti-migrant protesters gathered outside carrying posters referring to male migrants and criticising “EU puppets”.

The Journal also revealed previously that gardaí in Wicklow were being deployed on a dedicated 24-hour armed cover on the Taoiseach’s home.

Gardaí had carried out a threat and risk assessment on Harris’ home and his safety – it is understood that he was advised that he should move to the secure Steward’s Lodge in the Phoenix Park.

The high security building was refurbished in the 2000s as a dedicated home for Taoisigh while serving. It is understood Leo Varadkar had been offered the location during the Covid-19 pandemic. It is rarely used by sitting leaders.

Harris had been offered it, The Journal has discovered, but preferred to continue living in Wicklow where his children are in school.