“Shock and sadness” after two people found dead in house in Longford

A Longford councillor has spoken of the “shock and sadness” in his community at the discovery of two bodies in a rural area of the county.

The two bodies were found on Saturday night in a house near Granard, county Longford.

“It's a huge shock to the community that an incident like this should happen,” Cllr PJ Reilly told said.

The names of the deceased have not yet been released, but according to the Fianna Fáil councillor, they are "about 30 years living in the area. It's very sad for the family."

“There is a real shock and sadness among the family, their close friends and neighbours. It's a very rural part of the area,” he continued.

An investigation into the deaths is under way, and at present the suspected cause of the deaths is believed to be carbon monoxide poisoning.

Gardaí have indicated there is no criminal investigation and a file is being prepared for the Coroner's Court.

Carbon monoxide (also known as CO) is a colourless, odourless, poisonous gas. Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause illness, loss of consciousness and death.

Household appliances cause most cases of accidental exposure to carbon monoxide. They may be badly installed, maintained or ventilated.

Cllr Reilly stressed the importance of detection of the hazardous gas: “It's so important that people have working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms installed in their homes. They need to be checked to ensure they are in working order. This is particularly important during the winter months.”