Gardaí are investigating whether a stabbing attack on a chaplain at a Galway army barracks was motivated by terrorism.

The chaplain was rushed to hospital after being stabbed several times in an attack at Renmore Army Barracks in Galway city shortly before 11pm last night.

The man, aged in his 50s, is being treated for serious but non-life-threatening injuries after the attack.

A teenage boy was restrained at the scene by members of the Defence Forces before being arrested by Gardaí.

Terrorism

In a statement this afternoon, Gardaí said they were now investigating whether the attack was linked to terrorism.

“One line of enquiry is to establish if this attack had a terrorism motivation,” said a spokesperson.

“An Garda Síochána wishes to reassure the public that at this time it is not believed this incident is part of a wider conspiracy.”

Gardaí said a “thorough investigation” is now underway adding that “all relevant Bureaux have been engaged and are active in progressing this investigation”.

'All will be well'

In a post on Facebook, the chaplain thanked the public for their “prayers, love and concern” adding “all will be well”.

“Friends, thank you for your prayers, love, and concern,” he wrote.

“Sorry that I can't reply to all messages and take all the calls coming my way.

“I'm doing okay; just awaiting surgery. All will be well.”

Shots fired

In a statement, the Defence Forces confirmed that shots were fired by on-duty soldiers during the attack.

“The soldiers on duty responded to the immediate threat with appropriate force to ensure the safety of personnel and secure the area,” they said.

“The assailant was quickly detained and handed over to An Garda Síochána, who are now conducting a full investigation into the incident.

“The injured Defence Forces member was provided with immediate first aid at the scene before being transported to hospital for further treatment.

“We can confirm that the victim’s injuries, while serious, are not life-threatening.”

The Defence Forces are committed to the safety and security of all personnel and will continue to cooperate fully with An Garda Síochána in their investigation.

Investigation

The teenage boy is currently being held at a Garda Station in the northwest of the country.

His period of detention has now been extended.

The scene has been sealed off with a technical examination due to be carried out later today.

The Garda investigation is ongoing.

The Defence Forces said it would “cooperate fully” with the investigation.

The Garda Commissioner has spoken to the Defence Forces Chief of Staff and has wished the chaplain a full and speedy recovery.