'Suspicious package' sparks evacuation of Social Democrats' headquarters in Dublin

An investigation is underway after the Social Democrats' offices in Dublin and a number of adjoining properties were evacuated this Friday morning after gardaí were alerted to a 'suspicious package'.

The alarm was raised at around 10.30am and gardai attended the premises - at South Frederick Street, Dublin 2 - a short time later.

The building was evacuated as a precaution and a Defence Forces Explosives Ordinance Team was deployed to examine the package.

It has since been confirmed that the alert was 'not credible' and gardaí say investigations into the incident are ongoing

In a statement, this Friday evening, a Social Democrats spokesperson said: "Our offices, and neighbouring buildings, were evacuated and the street was cordoned off while an examination was performed. The cordon was lifted at 1.15pm and the package was removed by the EOD unit.

According to the Journal.ie, the "suspicious package" was addressed to newly-elected TD Eoin Hayes.

In a statement released earlier this week, TD Eoin Hayes was suspended from the Social Democrat party due to "company shares political controversy". 

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"The Social Democrats would like to thank An Garda Síochána and the Defence Force for their swift response and assistance today," the spokesperson for the Social Democrats added.