A man has died after being wounded in a shooting in Ratoath, Co Meath.
Gardaí are at the scene of the incident which took place at about 7.45 pm on Tuesday evening at The Old Mill housing estate.
The man was aged in his 50s and is believed to have been sitting in a car when the shooting occured.
He is known to gardaí as a significant cigarette smuggler. He is an associate of gangland figure Gerry “the Monk” Hutch, whose family has been involved in a recent dispute with a gang led by Christy Kinahan.
Gardaí appealed for anyone who was in and around The Old Mill housing estate or the Fairyhouse Road on Tuesday evening and who may have seen anything unusual or suspicious to contact Ashbourne Garda Station on 01-8010600, The Garda Confidential Telephone Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station.
Independent councillor for Ratoath Nick Killian said the local area is in shock following the shooting.
“On behalf of the local community in Ratoath I would like to express my shock and extend my sympathy to the man’s family.
“We must remember there is a human side to these incidents and a family involved who are in deep sadness tonight,” he said.
‘Shock and disbelief’
Mr Killian said the housing estate where the man lived with his family for the past 15 years is a quiet cul de sac and residents in the Old Mill Housing estate “are in shock and disbelief” following the incident.
Fine Gael councillor for Ratoath Gerry O’Connor extended his sympathy to the man’s family and condemned the shooting.
“It is unfortunate that gangland activity has been visited on the community in Ratoath but it should not be seen as a reflection on the area,” he said.
“It is shocking that gangland feuding has affected the area but it is part of a wider culture of criminal activity in Ireland right now,” he said.
