Ireland: bomb threats against the media; evacuations in Dublin

A series of bomb threats led to the evacuation this morning of the premises of several Irish media organisations, including the public broadcaster RTE, the radio stations Newstalk and Today FM, and the newspaper the Irish Independent. The threats, which were received via email, forced the broadcasters to temporarily suspend their live programmes, whilst the police began searching the buildings.

The public broadcaster RTE evacuated its Donnybrook complex in Dublin after receiving a message warning of an explosion within 45 minutes. Radio One’s morning programme, ‘Today with David McCullagh’, was interrupted and replaced with music and pre-recorded messages. Broadcasts resumed at 10.13 am local time. Police officers accompanied by dog units were deployed to the broadcaster’s premises.

“RTE, along with several other media organisations, received a threat this morning,” the broadcaster confirmed in a statement. “In accordance with our security protocols, the premises were evacuated and some services were affected. The police are on the scene in Donnybrook,” it added.

Marconi House, the building in Dublin that houses the stations of the Bauer Media Audio Ireland group – including Newstalk, Today FM, Spin 1038 and 98FM – was also evacuated. Newstalk’s morning programme, presented by Claire Byrne, was also interrupted before broadcasting resumed. Reports of threats were also received by the Irish Independent newspaper and the broadcaster Virgin Media.

The Irish police have confirmed that they are aware of threats directed at media organisations in Ireland and other European countries. “We are in contact with Irish media organisations and the threats will be investigated,” said a police spokesperson.