Dublin: One person has died and another has been injured following a stabbing at an international protection accommodation facility in Tralee, County Kerry. Gardaí have arrested a man in connection with the incident.
The attack took place at approximately 5.20 a.m. yesterday at Ballymullen Barracks in Tralee. Emergency services attended the scene and provided assistance to the victims before taking the injured man to hospital.
Gardaí said officers found a man suffering from serious injuries. He was subsequently pronounced dead at the scene. A second man, aged 40, was taken to University Hospital Kerry. His injuries were described as non-life-threatening.
A 40-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident. He is currently being detained at a Garda station in County Kerry under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984.
The scene has been sealed off to allow forensic and technical examinations to be carried out as part of the investigation.
Ballymullen Barracks, a former military facility, was converted into accommodation for up to 50 male international protection applicants in 2024. Gardaí said no similar incidents had previously been reported at the centre.
The Department of Justice confirmed that it was aware of the serious incident but said it could not provide further details while the Garda investigation remained ongoing.
Gardaí appeal for information
The State Pathologist’s Office has been notified, and a senior investigating officer has been appointed to oversee the case. A dedicated investigation team has also been established at Tralee Garda Station.
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident or has information that could assist the investigation to come forward.
Information can be provided through the following channels:
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Tralee Garda Station: 066 710 2300
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Garda Confidential Line: 1800 666 111
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Information can also be provided at any Garda station.
Tralee community left in shock
The incident has sent shockwaves through the town of Tralee, with local representatives expressing sadness and concern for those affected.
Mayor Councillor Angie Baily said the local community would come together to support those involved and their families.
Describing the incident as deeply distressing, she said such violence was unfamiliar to the people of Tralee and had left the town shocked.
She also highlighted the close-knit nature of the community, expressing confidence that residents would stand together and support one another during the difficult days ahead.
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