Gardai are investigating the provenance of two pipe bombs found in Limerick and Cork.

The first was found in Killala Gardens in Knocknaheeny in Cork city early this morning.

The army bomb disposal team arrived on scene at approximately 9.45am after receiving a call regarding a possible explosive.

A cordon was erected at the scene and traffic restrictions were put in place for public safety. A number of nearby houses were evacuated.

The suspect item was made safe by the by an army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) unit and removed to a military location for further testing. The scene was declared safe just before 11am.

Elsewhere, a viable pipe bomb was defused in Limerick city last night.

In the second such incident within a 12-hour period, Gardai called in bomb disposal at around 12.45am to Upper Gerald Griffith Street.

A cordon and traffic restrictions were put in place for public safety, while a number of nearby apartments were evacuated.

The Defence Forces said: "The suspect item was rendered safe and removed to a military location for further testing and the scene was declared safe at 1.30am."

Evidence has been handed over by the army and Gardai are now investigating.