merrion street

"This evening's terrible events in Nice have left me deeply shocked and saddened. I deplore the loss of life, and offer heartfelt condolences to the people of France from the people of Ireland.

"This attack on people as they celebrated Bastille Day with friends and family on a fine summer's evening is particularly horrendous, and my thoughts and sympathies are with the relatives of the dead and injured.

"My Department is monitoring the situation closely, and our Ambassador in France Geraldine Byrne Nason and her staff are seeking to establish whether any Irish citizens have been caught up in this evening's tragic events. Our Embassy in Paris is on stand-by to offer assistance to any Irish people affected by these events and the staff of the Embassy are on duty and monitoring the situation closely.

"Irish citizens in Nice who need to contact the Embassy can do so at 0144176700, and are advised to exercise caution and follow instructions of local authorities. Consular staff in my Department are also on hand to take calls from concerned families here in Ireland and they may be contacted at any time at 01 408 2000."