Defence Forces dealt with a ‘suspect device’
10:56, 19 Jun 2026Updated 12:50, 19 Jun 2026
The Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal team stock photo
A number of homes in West Cork were evacuated last night after the discovery of a “suspicious device.”
A cordon was established near Laurel Walk in Bandon yesterday evening, with the Army’s Explosive Ordinance Disposal (EOD) service called in to deal with the device. It was a frightening and dramatic ordeal for families who had to leave their homes – but the device was successfully removed and residents were able to return shortly after 10pm.
The cordon has been lifted and a technical examination of the scene was completed, and now a probe is underway. CorkBeo understands the device may have been an improvised ‘pipe bomb’ that was being treated as possibly viable, with Gardai and the Defence Forces taking no chances.
A Garda spokesperson told CorkBeo: “Gardaí in Bandon received a report of a suspicious device at a location in Bandon, Co. Cork on Thursday, June 18 2026. A number of people were evacuated from the area and the services of the Army EOD were requested. A cordon was established in the area.
“The device has been removed and the cordon has been lifted. A technical examination of the scene was carried out and investigations are ongoing.”
In a separate, unrelated incident in December, the EOD responded to a call in North Cork, where suspect devices – understood to be historic bombs – were discovered in a home in Newmarket. Those devices were also successfully and safely removed.
Sign up here for our daily newsletter and get breaking news and top stories from Cork Beo direct to your inbox