Appeal issued after ‘live army round’ seen near Co Wicklow trail

By Gráinne Ní Aodha, PA

An appeal has been issued over a possible live army round seen near a walking trail in Co Wicklow.

A white Illumination round is about 12in long and weighs 3.1kg.

It is used by the military to illuminate an area at night.

Gardaí said the casing might still contain explosive and incendiary material, which would pose “significant danger” to the public.

The possible live ordnance was seen by a member of the public on a public walking trail on Lugnaquilla mountain in the Glen of Imaal, Donard.

Gardaí said the location is inside the signposted Range Danger Area along Route 2.

The Glen of Imaal, in the western Wicklow Mountains, is used by the Defence Forces as an artillery firing range and a training location for Irish soldiers going on UN peacekeeping missions.

Gardaí said the round was seen partially buried in the ground and appeared to have been in the location for “some time”.

It is no longer at that location and it is believed to have been removed.

Members of the public are being warned not to move or transport the round but to make urgent contact with An Garda Síochána by calling 999 or 112.

An Garda Síochána can also be contacted at Baltinglass Garda Station on 059 6482610, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111 or at any garda station.