Justice Minister urges ‘time and space’ for investigation
JUSTICE Minister Charlie Flanagan has insisted gardaí have the resources to tackle gun crime in the wake of the Bray gym shooting.
The minister appealed for officers to be given the “time and space” to investigate the attack on three men, including Pete Taylor.
While condemning the “appalling violence”, he called for anybody with information to come forward.
“Gardaí will vigorously pursue the investigation of this shooting and, as always, do their utmost to bring the perpetrators to justice.
“The Government remains committed to ensuring An Garda Síochána continues to have the resources required to tackle this and all forms of criminality in our State,” he said.
Mr Flanagan (inset) is in contact with Garda management about the attack amid fears it could be linked to a gang feud.
Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Justice, Jim O’Callaghan said the shooting was a worrying development.
“This was a crime of the most violent nature which took place in a coastal commuter town at a time when people were out walking and heading off to work or school.
“Gardaí have done tremendous work in recent months in foiling numerous attempts to carry out shootings in the capital, but early morning shootings are a worrying development,” he said.
Mr O’Callaghan said the Minister has an obligation to ensure An Garda Síochána are allocated the additional resources necessary to carry out their investigation and assure the local
community of their safety.
“I urge anyone with information to bring it to the attention of gardaí immediately,” he said.
The Dublin Bay South TD also wished the injured men “a full and quick recovery”.
Sinn Féin TD for Wicklow John Brady said he was shocked by the incident.
“The club here is a fantastic club. It has a huge appeal to people right across Bray.
“People come here first thing in the morning and work out before they head to work,” he said.
“Local people are in shock by all account.
“These people were just shot while doing a morning workout. It’s way too early to speculate [what’s going on].”
Health Minister Simon Harris, who is also a local TD, said: “Obviously everybody in the community of Bray is very shocked by what has happened.
“This is the boxing club that was built in a large part to recognise Katie Taylor’s Olympic achievement.
“It is a source of great pride in our community so to see it turned into the scene of horror and crime has taken everybody aback.”
Mr Harris said local gardaí were working around the clock on the case and appealed for anybody with information to come forward.