A man (45) remains in a critical condition in hospital following a shooting in north Dublin. The victim was a shot a number of times in Balbriggan this morning.

He survived a previous attempt on his life in 2010.

The scene of the gun attack this morning in the Balbriggan Retail Park remains sealed off.

The shooting happened shortly after 11am as the man was leaving the Platinum Gym, just metres away from a play centre for children which was open at the time.

The victim who is known to gardai was shot at a number of times and hit at least twice in the upper body.

He was rushed by ambulance to Beaumont Hospital for treatment. His condition here is being described as critical.

Its the second time in the last four years that he has been the victim of a gun attack. Back in 2010, he was shot in a bar near his home in Bettystown in Co. Meath.

Witnesses or anyone with information is asked to contact Balbriggan garda station on 01-8020510, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800-666-111 or any garda station.