Woman dies following dog attack in Limerick

Michael Bolton

A 23-year-old woman has died following a dog attack at a residence in Ballyneety, County Limerick.

The incident happened at approximately 11.40pm  on Tuesday night. The woman was pronounced deceased at the scene by medical personnel.

Her body has been removed from the scene to Mid Western Regional Hospital, Limerick, where a Post Mortem examination will take place.

The animal believed to be involved in the incident has now been destroyed. A number of other dogs have been seized.

An investigation is ongoing.

Minister for Rural and Community Development Heather Humphreys, who recently set up a group to examine dog control, said she is “appalled by the news”.

In a statement, she said: “I want to begin by expressing my deepest sympathies to her family in what is a deeply shocking incident.

“A Garda investigation is under way and it’s important we establish the facts on what happened.

“I have consistently said that more action is required in relation to dog control.

“That’s why I have set up a cross-governmental stakeholder group, chaired by the retired deputy garda commissioner John Twomey, to examine this whole area.”

Anyone with information on this incident is asked to contact Roxboro Road Garda Station on (061) 214 340, the Garda Confidential line on 1800 666 111 or any Garda station.