A major security alert was issued after a drone crash‑landed on the roof of the Irish Prison Service training college at Portlaoise Prison, in an incident suspected to involve contraband intended for the nearby Midlands Prison.
The crash prompted a Garda response and a security alert at the Midlands Prison, which houses some of the country’s most high‑profile prisoners, including Daniel Kinahan.
Drone crash prompts Garda response
Gardai are understood to have located two men suspected of flying the drone on the grounds of the Midlands hospital nearby. They were arrested at the scene and are currently detained for questioning at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.
A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service said: “The Irish Prison Service can confirm it is working with An Garda Síochána to recover a drone that crashed into the Irish Prison Service College , Portlaoise. As the matter is subject to Garda investigation it would not be appropriate to comment further.”
In its own statement Gardaí said: “Gardaí responded to a report of drone activity in the vicinity of the Portlaoise Prison Campus, Co. Laois this afternoon Tuesday 6th October 2026.
“Gardaí attended the scene and arrested 2 males who are currently detained at a Garda Station in the Eastern Region.
“Investigations are ongoing.”
