World leaders have moved to condemn today's incident in Barcelona, which is being treated as a terrorist attack.
At least 13 people are dead and 50 injured after a van mounted the pavement on Las Ramblas, a main tourist area in the city centre, and hit dozens of people.
Two people have been arrested in connection with the attack, officials have confirmed.
Here, the Department of Foreign Affairs says it is closely monitoring developments.
Anyone with concerns for Irish people in Barcelona can contact the department on 01-4082000 or the Irish Embassy in Madrid on +34 914364093.
Taoiseach Leo Varadkar expressed 'his abhorrence' following the attack.
He said in a statement: "An attack of this nature, targeting the people of Barcelona and visitors enjoying that wonderful city in the height of the tourist season, is both wanton and cowardly and has no place in our society.
"At this time of immense grief, I want to offer our solidarity and support to the people of Spain, with whom we have such close relations."
President Higgins, meanwhile, said: "Barcelona has a long history of hospitality and has over the years received so many people from around the world.
"As President of Ireland I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but also the solidarity of the people of Ireland.”
British Prime Minister Theresa May stated that the UK "stands with Spain against terror".
...and the emergency services responding to this ongoing incident. The UK stands with Spain against terror. (2/2)
— UK Prime Minister (@Number10gov) August 17, 2017
US President Donald Trump condemned the attack, and pledged his support to the Spanish authorities.
The United States condemns the terror attack in Barcelona, Spain, and will do whatever is necessary to help. Be tough & strong, we love you!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) August 17, 2017
French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Angela Merkel also pledged solidarity with Spain:
Toutes mes pensées et la solidarité de la France pour les victimes de la tragique attaque à #Barcelone. Nous restons unis et déterminés.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) August 17, 2017
In tiefer Trauer sind wir bei den Opfern des widerwärtigen Anschlags in #Barcelona - in Solidarität + Freundschaft an d. Seite der Spanier.
— Steffen Seibert (@RegSprecher) August 17, 2017
