Castlebar pipe bombs were viable

Several buildings in Castlebar were evacuated today after a number of pipe bombs were found during a search of the area by gardaí.

An Army Bomb Disposal Team was called in after gardaí discovered the suspect devices during a planned search operation of the Moneen area.

The devices were made safe without the need for a controlled explosion. Traffic diversions were put in place for a time and houses were evacuated for reasons of public safety.

An army spokesman confirmed this evening that the devices found were viable.

The discovery of the pipe bombs, officially described as improvised explosive devices, is believed to be connected to the recent murder of a young settled traveller locally and continued tension between rival traveller gangs in Co. Mayo.