Army personnel 'assessing the best course of action' following discovery of two 'WWI era' projectiles in West Cork

Update 5pm: A spokesperson for the Defence Forces has said the Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team are currently "assessing the best course of action" following the discovery of two "WWI era projectiles" in the village of Courtmacsherry. 

"The Army EOD team are assessing the best course of action. 

"They are realistically going to have to move them from Courtmac this evening because of the built-up area that it is," the spokesperson told The Echo. 

The two devices weigh 130kg each. 

Earlier: Army personnel are en route to Courtmacsherry in West Cork this afternoon following the discovery of a suspect device.

A Garda spokesperson told The Echo that Gardaí are currently at the scene of an incident at the pier in the village, “where a suspect device was located while work was being conducted in the area”.

“The scene is currently cordoned off and the services of the Army EOD [Explosive Ordnance Disposal] have been requested,” the spokesperson continued.

It is understood that the device was found while dredging works were being conducted at Courtmacsherry harbour.

Initial indications are that the device may be historical in nature. However, it has yet to be assessed by the EOD team.

A spokesperson for the Defence Forces said:

“The 1 Brigade EOD team is currently en route and should be there shortly.

“On arrival they will assess what the specific device is.”