Senior Gardaí have met the acting Taoiseach and Justice Minister to brief them on investigations into recent gang related murders in the Dublin region.

The Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald said that Gardaí had in the past successfully faced down gangs, who believed they were above the law.

At the meeting high ranking officers outlined how armed checkpoints have been mounted in the capital to disrupt the activities of criminals.

Progress on a dedicated armed Garda unit for Dublin was also discussed.

They were also briefed on the progress being made in establishing an additional, dedicated Armed Support unit for Dublin which she first announced plans for in February.

Minister Fitzgerald stated: “The recent cycle of gang violence is shocking and disturbing. The loss of life, including the life of those who played no part in gang related feuds, is intolerable.

“We will not let the safety and good name of our Capital City be dragged down by the violence and thuggery of these gangs.”

“I have assured An Garda Síochána that they have the full support of the Government in their efforts to disrupt gang-related crime and they will continue to access all resources necessary, including extensive overtime, to support them in delivering concentrated visible policing measures to tackle gang-related crime.”