GardaĆ believe the men, who are suspected members of a Dublin organised crime gang, were in Ennis to target a businessman from the area. Sources said detectives believe the five men had the target under surveillance for a period of time. However, when their car and van was stopped in traffic at 10am on Parnell Street, gardaĆ moved in and arrested the men.
It is understood no firearms were found during the operation. The Irish Times newspaper reports that the five were taken for questioning to Ennis and Shannon Garda stations before being released without charge. A file is being prepared for the DPP.