A younger associate of veteran crime boss John Gilligan remains in a serious condition in hospital after being struck by a van in Clondalkin on Sunday afternoon.
The incident happened shortly before 2pm and the van involved failed to remain at the scene on the Cloverhill Road.
The Irish Independent has learned that following initial inquiries, gardaí are now treating the incident as a case of attempted murder.
It’s being investigated if the van driver purposely struck the male pedestrian, aged in his 20s, before reversing back over him.
The vehicle involved failed to remain at the scene but on Sunday night local gardaí arrested a suspect as part of the investigation.
The man, also aged in his 20s and from the Clondalkin area, remains in garda custody.
It’s being investigated if the incident is linked to a local dispute in the area which has seen a number of assaults and petrol bomb attacks in the past.
One source told the Irish Independent: “All indications are that this was intentional and this matter is being treated very seriously, the victim is in a bad way.
“There haven’t been any reported incidents connected to this dispute in recent weeks but there are concerns it could flare up again”.
The victim is a younger associate of veteran crime boss John Gilligan – who is now aged in his 70s and living in Spain where he received a suspended sentence last year for drug smuggling offences.
In an appeal over the weekend, gardaí said they are “investigating a road traffic collision which occurred on Cloverhill Road, Clondalkin, Dublin 22, this afternoon, Sunday 20th October 2024.
“The incident involving a male pedestrian and a van occurred at approximately 1.45pm. The male pedestrian (20s) was brought to hospital for treatment of serious injuries.
“The van failed to remain at the scene.
“A technical examination of the scene has been carried and the road has since reopened to traffic.
“Gardaí are appealing to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward. They are also seeking any camera footage, including dash-cam video from those travelling in the area at the time, to assist with the investigation.
“Anyone with information is asked to contact Ronanstown Garda Station on (01) 6667700, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station.”
