THE Army bomb squad has attended a record number of crime scenes this year.

With more than a month to go until the end of 2009, the Department of Defence has confirmed that its specialised unit has had to deal with more callouts than in any previous year.

The number of emergencies by the end of the year is likely to be double the 2007 rate.

New figures show that gardai required assistance from the Explosives Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Team on 180 occasions so far this year.

It is thought that the high rate of demand for the bomb disposal team is reflective of the changing tactics used by gangland criminals, particularly in Dublin and Limerick.

Request

In reply to a parliamentary question, Defence Minister Willie O'Dea noted that the Army only attended a scene "when a request is made by An Garda Siochana, to the relevant brigade, for assistance in dealing with a suspect device or for the removal of old ordnance".

In many cases the bombs have turned out to be hoaxes, leaving the cash-strapped Exchequer with a heavy bill.

According to the department they were required 180 times during all of 2008, showing a massive jump on the 2007 of just 98. In the three years previously, the call-out rate was 101, 105 and 110 respectively.

A huge operation swings into action each time the EOD team are called out, and Mr O'Dea said: "Requests for aid are normally made by a member of An Garda Siochana not below the rank of Inspector."

The EOD teams are on call 24 hours a day and seven days a week throughout the country to deal with any suspicious objects or devices that are identified.

A team consists of three highly trained officers, who travel with a security team to protect them as they work.

Many of the devices turn out to be elaborate hoaxes, but Mr O'Dea said: "The Defence Forces EOD team is required to treat all devices as suspect until the EOD officer confirms the nature of the device."

Traumatised

The remains are always handed over to gardai for forensic examination and investigations remain their responsibility.

The statistics released by the department cover the period up to November 15, but even since then the Herald has reported on a number of finds.

Just yesterday, it was revealed how a seven-year-old Dublin schoolgirl has been left badly traumatised after finding a 'bomb' under her parent's car.

kdoyle@herald.ie

- Kevin Doyle, POLITICAL REPORTER