The Union Jack is flying over Cork City Hall this afternoon as a mark of respect to the victims of the tragic terror attack that took the lives of at least 22 people in Manchester.
Cork City Council is one of a number around the country that has announced it will open a book of condolence for those who were killed or injured in the attack.
The book will be open at Cork City Hall from 10.00am tomorrow – while books will also be opened in Dublin and Belfast to allow the public to pay their respects.
The British Flag flying at Cork City Hall as a mark of respect to those who died or were injured in #Manchester last night #corkcc pic.twitter.com/8vA59v43MN
— Cork City Council (@corkcitycouncil) May 23, 2017
In a statement, President Michael D Higgins offered his sympathy on behalf of the people of Ireland, “to the families of those who have lost their lives and those injured in the appalling attack on a place of recreation in Manchester, where young people and children were enjoying a concert.”
"This cowardly attack on innocent citizens will have appalled all those who care for democracy, freedom and the right to live and enjoy the public space,” he said.
“Manchester has been home to the Irish and so many nationalities for centuries and at this terrible time I want to send the people of this great and welcoming city not only our sympathy but our solidarity.
“Our thoughts in Ireland are with all of the people of Manchester and our neighbours throughout the United Kingdom at this time.”
He says he will be formally writing to Britain's Queen Elizabeth II in the aftermath of the attack.
Book of Condolence @MansionHouseDub at 10am tmrw to show support for the people of Manchester at this sad time. Open Wed & Thurs 10am- 4pm pic.twitter.com/q8ZoajYmkm
— Lord Mayor of Dublin (@LordMayorDublin) May 23, 2017
In a statement, Dublin’s Lord Mayor Brendan Carr said: “I was horrified to hear about the attack at a concert for young children in Manchester last night.”
“There have always been close ties between the cities of Dublin and Manchester and I am opening this Book of Condolence to let the people of Dublin express their sympathies to the families of those who died or were injured and to express our solidarity with the people of Manchester at this dark hour.”
A special vigil will be held in Belfast at 6pm this evening as the City Hall is lit in the colours of the Union Jack as a sign of solidarity with Manchester.
A book of condolence has been opened and will be available to sign from 8:30am to 5.00pm until Friday and from 10.00am to 4.00pm over the weekend.
City Hall will be lit in colours of the union flag tonight to show solidarity with the city of Manchester #BelfastLightsAtNight pic.twitter.com/U0lIcGqPCU
— Belfast City Council (@belfastcc) May 23, 2017
Sinn Féin leader Michelle O’Neill signed the book this afternoon:
Michelle O'Neill signs the Book of Condolence opened up for the victims of the Manchester attack at Belfast City Hall today @moneillsf pic.twitter.com/H8KVqCMoqC
— Sinn Féin (@sinnfeinireland) May 23, 2017
Books of condolence will also be opened in Clare, Wexford, Dundalk and at a range of other locations around the country.
@ClareCoCo has opened a Book of Condolence in solidarity with the people of Manchester and in memory of the victims of the terror attack pic.twitter.com/BdktKbDcJL
— Clare County Council (@ClareCoCo) May 23, 2017