The army bomb squad has made safe a viable improvised explosive device in Ballymun in Dublin.

The Defence Forces say the suspect device was found near a car parked outside a private residence in the Belclare Area.

Members of the bomb squad arrived at 1:10am this morning and the area was cordoned off by gardai.

A number of houses were also evacuated as a precaution.

The Army Bomb Disposal team carried out a controlled explosion and the area was made safe at around 3.30am and gardai are now investigating the incident.

The remains of the device have now be handed over to assist the grdai with their investigation.

Spokesperson for the Defence Forces, Captain Laura Keane, has the details.