Teenager set to appear in court following army barracks attack

A teenager, who was arrested following a serious incident at Renmore Barracks in Galway has been charged and is due to appear in court today.

The youth, who is suspected to be 16-years-old is expected to appear before Galway District Court this afternoon, Saturday, August 17, at 2pm.

An Army chaplain, sustained a number of stab wounds in the incident which occurred at around 10.45 on Thursday evening. While serious, his injuries are not life-threatening.

While precise details remain unclear, it's believed the Army chaplain, who is aged in his 50s, was approached by a youth outside the barracks and that he then ran through the barracks gate and was followed by the youth.

In addition to local garda members, the Special Detective Unit of An Garda Síochána are involved in this investigation.

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"One line of enquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation. An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy. A thorough investigation is underway and all relevant bureaux have been engaged and are active in progressing this investigation," they added.

The Garda Commissioner, Drew Harris, has spoken to the Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy.

A spokesman for the Defence Forces confirmed that warning shots were fired by on-duty personnel after the chaplain was attacked.

"This action was taken in strict accordance with established force protection protocols after a Defence Forces Chaplain was stabbed by a male civilian while awaiting entry to the barracks.

"Upon witnessing the assault, the soldiers on duty responded swiftly and appropriately to the immediate threat, using necessary force to ensure the safety of all personnel and to secure the area. This included the firing of live ammunition as warning shots." 

The statement added that the injured Defence Forces member received immediate first aid from Defence Forces personnel on duty before being transported to University Hospital Galway for further treatment.

Commenting on the incident, Lieutenant General Seán Clancy, Chief of Staff of Óglaigh na hÉireann, extended his best wishes to the injured Chaplain.

“Our thoughts are with our injured comrade, and we wish him a full and speedy recovery. The well-being of our personnel is our utmost priority, and we will continue to support him during this time.”

Lieutenant General Clancy also commended the actions of the soldiers on duty on Thursday night. “The swift and decisive response by our personnel last night was exemplary, and in keeping with the highest standards of the Defence Forces and our values. Their professionalism ensured that a dangerous situation was quickly brought under control, protecting the lives of others in the vicinity. There is no doubt that their actions were critical in preventing further harm or loss of life.”

The Defence Forces spokesperson added that the assailant was "quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Siochana".