Irish Police carried out a “controlled delivery” of arms to Carlow shopping centre shooter Evan Fitzgerald as part of a sting operation. A ‘controlled delivery’ is a method used by undercover police officers across the world in which a suspect who tries to acquire illicit items is given them by a police officer.

Evan Fitzgerald, in his 20s, from Kiltegan in Co Wicklow, died in the shooting incident at the Fairgreen Shopping Centre on June 1, having earlier walked through the retail premises firing a shotgun in the air.

A spokeswoman said he then shot himself, after being challenged by armed police.

He had appeared in court last year with two others on firearms offences, and it is understood he had been facing an imminent further court appearance.