A drone crash-landed near Portlaoise Prison on Tuesday 6th October 2026, prompting a major security alert and a Garda response.
The device, suspected to have been carrying contraband intended for the Midlands Prison, crashed on the roof of the Irish Prison Service training college adjacent to Portlaoise Prison.
Portlaoise Prison houses some of the country’s most high-profile prisoners, such as Daniel Kinahan.
Gardai are understood to have caught up with two men on the grounds of the nearby Midlands hospital. They were arrested at the scene and are being detained for questioning.
A spokesperson for the Irish Prison Service told the Irish Mirror: “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.”
Drone activity prompts Garda investigation
In a 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.”
