Six men who were among a group of people discovered in a container at Rosslare Europort have been refused permission to enter the country.
It is understood that the men and teenagers were found in the container at the port yesterday, where they were for four days, having arrived on a ship from Dunkirk in France.
It is believed the nine people were aged between 16 and 23 and are all originally from east Africa.
It is understood they may have thought that they were waiting to be transported onwards while in Rosslare before raising the alarm.
Gardaí began investigating a suspected case of people smuggling following the discovery and have said that six men were "refused leave to land in accordance with immigration legislation".
One man has claimed international protection and two others, believed to be minors, are being cared for by Tusla.
Gardaí have appealed for anyone with information to contact gardaí at Wexford Garda Station on 053-9165200, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 66 11 or any garda station.
