A man in his 30's is in a stable condition in hospital after being shot by a Garda in West Limerick.

The incident took place in Shanagolden near Foynes at around 2:30am  this morning.

The man was shot in the face during a planned Garda operation.

Its understood the man was stopped by armed Garda who were manning a checkpoint on the Shanagolden/ Newcastle West Rd (R521) at a place known locally as Jobbers Cross.

Local reports suggest he was shot as he was sitting in his car.

The Garda Ombudsman is investigating and investigators have been deployed to the scene