Gardai are waiting to interview a hospital patient about a bomb destroyed a car in the middle of the city.
It was placed in a car at Long Lane beside the former Meath Hospital and exploded at around 11pm on Sunday night.
The suspect was admitted to the Mater with serious injuries to his face and upper body having been taken there in a taxi.
Gardai say a high grade explosive caused the car to go up in flames.
The blast caused damage to nearby cars and properties.
Officers do not believe subversives were behind the attack and are blaming it on a crime gang.
