Fourteen people, including two children, have been discovered in a refrigerated lorry at Rosslare Port after a 999 call was made from inside the trailer.
The discovery was made on Monday off a ferry from Belgium.
They are all understood to be in good health and were medically assessed at the scene.
They have since been brought to CityWest in Dublin for processing.
Freelance Wexford Journalist Brendan Furlong told Newstalk Breakfast a hole was made in the side of the trailer for air.
"At 1am on Monday morning the UK Coast Guard received a 999 call, which was immediately passed on to Irish authorities," he said.
"Almost immediately a multi-agency emergency was set in place in Rosslare Europort.
"Apparently when Gardaí attended the trailer, a hole had been bored in the side of the trailer to allow for air during the journey.
"A number of those were found on the floor of the ship at that particular time".
A roadsign of Rosslare Port in Co Wexford, 9-6-10. Image: richard sowersby / AlamyMr Furlong said the emergency call was actually made from inside the trailer.
"Apparently the 999 call was made by one of the 12 [adults] involved," he said.
"According to reports they were in particularly good health, there were no breathing problems, there were no medical problems.
"Following medical attention they were transferred to Dublin," he added.
Investigation
Justice Minister Helen McEntee has thanked the emergency services for their initial response.
"We know from past experience that similar situations have led to tragic fatalities," she said.
"This was an extremely hazardous undertaking and it is only fortuitous that the same did not happen yesterday.
"An Garda Síochána are investigating the matter with assistance from international partners.
"I would appeal to anybody with any information that might assist with the ongoing investigation to contact An Garda Síochána," she added.
Gardaí subsequently conducted a search of all containers on the ferry following the discovery on Monday.
