Gardaí reported on Wednesday night that they had arrested 55 people - including 16 as a result of existing warrants while targeting organised crime networks so far this week.

Vehicle searches were conducted at checkpoints in rural locations including Ballycallan, Tullaroan, Castlecomer, Urlingford, Ballyragget and Castlecomer. Around 120 uniformed Gardaí took part in so-called Operation Storm, which also covered approach roads to Kilkenny city. They received support from armed response and other specialist units as well as partner agencies such as Revenue, Customs and Social Welfare officers.

The objective was to stop travelling gang using the road network

"The objective was to stop travelling gang using the road network," a Garda source told the Irish Farmers Journal. By shutting down rural roads, the force intended to "disrupt the movement of criminals in rural Kilkenny".

The source added that some of the arrest warrants executed this week are likely to include suspects of farm burglaries. A number of court appearances are scheduled following the arrests and 16 people have been charged.

The Irish Farmers Journal understands that similar operations are scheduled to take place again in the coming weeks.

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