A group of youths from Kilkenny are the chief suspects in an alleged sexual attack on three teenaged girls in Courtown, Co Wexford.
The girls were being interviewed by specially trained gardaí on Wednesday after they made allegations of rape and sexual assault on Sunday.
The incident is reported to have happened on Sunday at approximately 12.15am in the Burrow area of Courtown Harbour near Gorey, Co Wexford.
It is understood that three girls were allegedly sexually assaulted and one of them was allegedly raped.
The girls are aged between 15 and 17.
They are from west Dublin and were in the Co Wexford town on holiday.
There has been no official description of the attackers from gardaí.
However sources say the investigation in focusing on a group of Irish nationals from nearby Kilkenny. Some or all of the suspects are underage.
Gardaí have visited at least one address in Kilkenny as part of their investigations but no arrests have been made.
The Irish Times understands that up to three or four males may have been present when the alleged attacks took place, although detectives have not yet established the precise roles played by each of the men.
It is believed the girls informed their parents of the alleged attack who then contacted gardaí and reported the allegation.
“Gardaí are continuing to appeal for information in relation to the investigation into an incident of a serious assault that occurred on July 28th, at approximately 12. 15am in the Burrow area of Courtown Harbour, Gorey, Co Wexford,” a statement from the Garda Press Office said.
“The three injured parties involved in this incident are currently in the process of being interviewed by a team of specially trained interviewers. The scene has been examined and is now re-opened.”
It said an incident room had been established at Gorey Garda station and officers appealed for anyone with information and who has not yet come forward to contact Gorey Garda Station on 053 943 0690 or the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111.
On Tuesday, gardaí appealed to anyone who was in the in the Burrow area between 10pm on Saturday and 2am on Sunday who observed any suspicious behaviour to contact gardaí.
The area where the attack is alleged to have taken place was immediately sealed off while a forensic and technical examination was conducted. Specialist gardaí spent a number of hours combing the scene for evidence.
