Thugs regain entry to steel-bolstered Longford houses previously targeted in gun attack

The Longford Leader can reveal that thugs have successfully regained entry to two houses that had been bolstered with steel barriers, both inside and out, following a gun attack earlier this year.

The council-owned properties, located in Garvey’s Close in the centre of Longford town, have been the subject of significant Garda attention.

On February 4, a lone gunman fired shots at one of the properties. Bullet holes could be seen in the upstairs windows following the incident, however no one was injured during the attack. You can watch the footage of the shooting here.

Two days prior to the shooting, Longford Gardaí accompanied by the Armed Support Unit, conducted a raid on the houses following reports of a firearm being present. You can watch footage of the Garda raid here.

Within 24 hours of the gun attack, the council had given the instruction that both houses be temporarily boarded up with wooden panels. This was done under Garda surveillance on February 5.

Just days after the installation of the wooden barriers however, the county council employed a company from outside the Longford to bolt permanent steel security barricades on all windows and doors of both properties, inside and out.

The houses, which at the time had been completely destroyed by vandals prior to being closed off, were seen as a point of very high risk for further incidents.

As a result, the council made the decision to cut off all potential access by having steel security barriers installed on every potential access point both inside and out.

Despite the somewhat extreme security measures however, the barriers have proved no deterrent.

The narrow gated side entrance to the back garden of number 4, which also had a steel security barrier installed last February, was removed by thugs intent on regaining access to the property.

The steel barrier outside the back kitchen window was then removed as was the barrier that had been bolted to the wall inside.

Part of the window itself was also taken out.

Additionally, a fireplace frame could be seen thrown on the ground outside however that has since been removed in recent weeks.

The small back shed contained just an old armchair that appeared to have been destroyed by vandals.

Rubbish and an old duvet were strewn on the ground of the shed.

During the last two weeks, the second house - which is located adjacent to Garvey’s Lane - was also accessed.

The house in question is located adjacent to Garvey’s Lane.

Thugs removed the steel barriers that had been bolted to the back window and on the wall inside.

Longford County Council is now hoping to sell the houses for €150,000 each.