Security operation after 'anthrax' letter sent to Iona Institute in Dublin

James Cox

A security operation was launched in Dublin on Tuesday after a suspicious package was sent to the office of the Iona Institute in Merrion Square.

The chief executive of the organisation David Quinn said he opened a package containing white powder along with a note that suggested it was anthrax.

According to its website, the Iona Institute is an organisation which promotes "the advancement and promotion of the Christian religion, its social and moral values, and the doing of all such other things as are incidental or conducive to the attainment of that object".

Mr Quinn said the letter read: "Happy Anthrax."

Anthrax is a serious disease usually caused by Bacillus anthracis bacteria.

The Army Bomb Squad were on the site in Merrion Square after the security alert. 

In a statement, gardaí said: "Gardaí were alerted to a suspicious package at a premises on Merrion Square, Dublin 2 earlier this afternoon, Tuesday, 16th September 2025.

"A cordon has been put in place around the area and the services of the army EOD team requested."

The area has now been cleared.