Army issue warning after unexploded shell found near the artillery range at the Glen of Imaal.
According to Commandant David Ashe, this particular explosive an anti tank training shell was not dangerous. Only bomb disposal experts would have known that the device was not dangerous. The shell itself is rusted and it took quite some time for the bomb disposal teams to establish if it was a live shell or not.
The object, an anti-tank training shell is now in army hands but how dangerous is it or was it?
The Glen of Imaal is used as a training ground for the Irish Defence Forces. Over the years, there have been a number of fatal incidents. In April 1979, three teenagers were killed and nine were seriously injured when they detonated an explosive while on an orienteering exercise in the area. The army now has a full-time safety officer, a warden service and a local advice centre to warn of the potential dangers in the area.
The army do their best to deal with all unexploded rounds but the difficult nature of the ground makes complete search and destroy impossible.
Commandant David Ashe advises people to visit the army advice centre to find out exactly where they should and should not go. He warns that if someone comes across a projectile, they should not touch it.
Do not touch it. Report it and we will deal with it.
An RTÉ News report broadcast on 5 June 1984. The reporter is Don Cockburn.
