Ireland’s prime minister, Leo Varadkar, has voiced his shock after a fatal shooting at a popular restaurant in Dublin on Christmas Eve.
A man in his 20s died after being injured at Browne’s Steakhouse on Main Street in Blanchardstown just after 8pm on Sunday. Families with children were among those dining at the restaurant.
A man in his 40s remains in a serious condition in Connolly hospital after being treated for gunshot wounds.
Gardaí are understood to be investigating whether the dead man had been a participant in the initial attack and had been tackled in the aftermath.
Varadkar said he was shocked to hear about the shooting at “a well-known family restaurant I’ve visited many times”. “Full Garda investigation under way. My thanks to them and solidarity to staff and customers,” he said on X.
The minister for justice, Helen McEntee, also condemned the shooting, saying it was “disgusting” that the violence had taken place where families had come together before Christmas. “I deplore the violence in Blanchardstown tonight. This viciousness has resulted in unimaginable human suffering this Christmas,” she said on Instagram.
“That anyone could perpetrate such violence as families gathered together is especially disgusting.
“I’m thinking of the bereaved, those who were at the scene and indeed all the emergency service personnel working tonight and over Christmas who have to deal with this senseless violence.
“I call on anyone with information of any kind to contact An Garda Síochána.”
Gardaí and emergency services were alerted to the incident at around 8pm on Sunday. The scene was preserved and the services of the office of the state pathologist were requested.
PA Media contributed to this report
