Kildare politician says Carlow shooting is "extremely shocking"

A Kildare politician has shown solarity with 'neighbouring town' of Carlow after a man died following a shooting incident at a busy shopping centre.

A major investigation is underway following the incident which saw hundreds of people being evacuated from Fairgreen Shopping Centre Carlow on Sunday evening.

Athy-based Cllr Mark Leigh of the Labour Party said the incident is "extremely shocking."

He said on Facebook: "My thoughts are with those who are affected by the serious incident in Fairgreen Shopping Centre in Carlow this evening.

"Carlow is our neighbouring town and something like this is extremely shocking for everyone."

Gardai say the alarm was raised shortly after 6:15pm on Sunday when reports were received of a firearm being discharged in a supermarket inside the shopping centre. 

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There was a major response involving local gardai supported by members of the Armed Support Unit. Carlow County Fire and Rescue Service also attended the scene as did paramedics from the National Ambulance Service.

Around an hour after the incident, gardai confirmed there was no "further concern for public safety" and in an update, issued shortly after 9pm, a spokesperson confirmed a man has died.

"An Garda Síochána are currently at the scene, with the shopping centre and car park cordoned off. The cordon will remain in place overnight. A white Irish adult male is deceased at the scene.

"A female juvenile received treatment from paramedics following the incident but did not require hospital care. It's undetermined at this time as to how those injuries were sustained."

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Gardai have also confirmed that an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal team has been requested to attend and that the cordon will not be relaxed until the area is declared safe.

Anyone who may have recorded footage of this Sunday's incident is urged not to share it on social media platforms or messaging apps, but instead to provide it to investigating gardai.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Carlow Garda Station at 059-9136620 or the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111.

Investigations are ongoing.

Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Simon Harris said:

“I am deeply concerned to hear about the incident that has taken place in Carlow tonight and have been kept briefed.

“I understand a young child has been hurt and I join with people across our country in thinking of them and their family tonight.

“I am also thinking of all those who witnessed this situation and the awful shock and upset it must have caused them. I know their families and communities will rally to support them.

“I am grateful to our emergency services for their work and response.

“This is a live Garda Investigation with the support of members of the Army Bomb Disposal Unit.

“I have been in touch with the Chief of Staff of the Defence Forces, Lieutenant General Rossa Mulcahy, in relation this incident and the assistance our Defence Forces are providing.

“It’s important now that our Gardai can carry out this investigation thoroughly."

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan has expressed his solidarity with those impacted by a serious incident in Carlow this evening.

He said: “This was a really shocking incident. My thoughts are with everyone affected by the shooting and the community and families impacted including those working at the scene.

“I would appeal to anyone who has any information to speak to the Gardaí and help with their investigations in any way that they can.

“This is something we never want or expect to happen in our communities. Gun violence is very rare in Ireland, and I am determined that will remain the case.

“The area in Carlow is safe. We must now allow An Garda Síochána to investigate this incident fully.”