The Justice Minister has condemned the latest gangland shooting in Dublin - saying shootings like this have no place in society.
27-year-old Jason ‘Buda’ Molyneaux was shot several times in the attack at the James Larkin House complex in the North Strand area, shortly before 9.45pm last night.
The victim - who was known to gardaí and had more than 100 previous convictions - was shot up to six times.
The body has been removed to the Mater Hospital, where a post-mortem is due to take place.
Gardaí are following a number of lines of inquiry following the murder, including if the victim was killed as part of the ongoing gangland feud or if it was to do with a separate feud in Ballymun.
Witnesses reported seeing a man in dark clothing running from the area, while the suspected getaway vehicle was found near the East Link Toll Bridge.
Gardas Superintendent Gerard Murphy has reassured locals that there are enough garda resources in the north inner city
However, residents have been expressing concerns that the level of policing in the area has been reduced.
Social Democrat Councillor Gary Gannon says less Garda presence has led to more violence:
Appeal
Just after 2:30pm this afternoon, investigators issued a renewed appeal for any information regarding the attack.
Gardaí are anxious to speak to anyone who may have seen a white Renault Kangoo van with the registration No: 10 D 126064 in the last few days.
They are particularly interested in any sightings of the van between 9:45pm last night and 12:15am this morning.
Gardaí said the van was found on the road leading to the East Link Toll Booth at around 12:15am this morning.
Image: Stephanie Grogan
'Horrific and brutal murder'
Speaking in the Dáil, Minister Charlie Flanagan said: "I wish to condemn in the strongest possible terms the horrific and brutal murder of a citizen of this city on the streets last night.
"There is no place for such activity in a civilised country. The gardaí have faced down such criminal threats in the past, and will so now and well into the future."
Superintendent Gerard Murphy of Store Street Garda Station, and described the shooting as a "callous murder".
He said: "We need the help of the community to assist us.
"In particular, I'm appealing to the community to come forward and help us with this investigation."
Supt Gerard Murphy describes the murder of Jason Molyneux as callous and is appealing for information. pic.twitter.com/P1Toou9WpN
— Stephanie Grogan (@StephGrogan3) January 31, 2018
In a statement, local Councillor Nial Ring said: "I spoke with Assistant Commissioner Pat Leahy and Chief Superintendent Sean Ward at the scene and both assured me that all resources are available and being used to tackle this latest incident."
Funeral
Jason had just attended the wake of his friend Derek ‘Delboy’ Hutch when he was shot dead last night.
Derek - a 27-year-old father of two - was shot dead in Clondalkin more than a week ago.
His funeral took place this morning amid a heavy Garda presence in the north inner city.
Family members and friends arriving with the coffin at Our Lady of Lourdes church on Sean McDermott Street for the funeral of gangland murder victim Derek Coakley Hutch. Photo: RollingNews.ie
Speaking at the mass, Fr Michael Casey described the murder as a shocking barbaric, violent and cowardly act.
He said the total disrespect for human life by some people is frightening.
Fr Casey said: "The shocking, barbaric, violent, cowardly act of the killing of Derek, fondly known as Delboy, last Saturday week and the consequent havoc, pain, suffering and devastation that the family and indeed larger community must endure is wrong, pointless and without justification.
"This reign of violence and total disrespect for human life carried out by people who have become soulless is frightening and leaves us all vulnerable."
Gardaí are appealing to anyone who may have any information regarding the attack or who may have been in the area of James Larkin House between 8pm and 10pm last night to contact them.
Any witnesses are being asked to contact Store St Garda Station on 01-666-6000, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111, or any Garda station.
