An Army Bomb Disposal Team has made safe a viable Improvised Explosive Device in Rathkeale, Co. Limerick.

A team from the Defence Forces went to the scene at The Five Crosses Road in Rathkeale just after midday, following a request from the Gardai.

The Disposal team found the device in a roadside ditch, and a controlled explosion was carried out – the scene was declared safe at 3 PM.

The remains of the device have been handed over to gardaí for further investigation.

Gardaí evacuated local residents for a time – it’s understood they will now be allowed to return to their homes.