The Irish Prison Service (IPS) has confirmed that a prisoner escaped custody while being escorted to Tallaght Hospital early this morning. Gardaí have been notified and are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident.
The man, aged in his 40s, had been receiving medical care at the hospital for several days before his escape. According to sources, the prisoner absconded during the early hours while under escort.
Authorities from both the IPS and An Garda Síochána are now working together to determine how the escape occurred. A spokesperson for the IPS stated that the investigation is ongoing, but further details are not yet available.
Gardaí have launched a search for the man, who remains at large. It is unclear whether he poses any immediate threat to the public at this stage.
The escape has raised concerns about the security protocols in place during hospital escorts, as the man was under guard during his time at the hospital.
Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the escape to contact local Garda stations. Further updates on the investigation are expected to be released in the coming days.