Armed gardaí are guarding the perimeter of one of the largest jails in the State after five prisoners climbed onto the roof of Limerick prison to hold a protest.
The protest started shortly after 6.30pm sparking a massive security operation. A garda helicopter has been deployed and extra prison officers have been called to the prison. Gardai and armed detectives are supporting them.
While the exact reasons for the protest remain unclear it is believed that it may be related to attempts to move a Limerick prisoner to a Cork prison. The Irish Prison Services is investigating how the men made their way up on to the roof of the prison's A wing.
The jail holds up to 200 prisoners.