Garda intercept ‘extremely significant’ bomb in transit near Border

By David Young, Press Association

An “extremely significant” bomb has been intercepted in a vehicle in transit near the Border in an operation targeting dissident republicans, gardaí have said.

In an intelligence-led swoop, members of the Garda’s Special Detective Unit stopped the vehicle travelling on the N2 south of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan on Wednesday afternoon.

Gardaí then requested the assistance of the army EOD (Explosive Ordnance Disposal) team, which completed an examination of the vehicle.

It is understood the device found contained suspected military-grade explosives.

Garda sources have described the bomb as “highly sophisticated” and “advanced”.

Any seizure of this nature is really concerningGarda Commissioner Justin Kelly

The vehicle’s female driver, aged in her 20s, was arrested at the scene and remained in Garda custody on Friday.

Another suspect, a man aged in his 40s, has since been arrested and is being held at a Garda station in the Dublin area.

Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed details of the operation as he spoke to media at a Garda graduation event in Co Tipperary on Friday.

“To be clear, what we found was an extremely significant seizure,” he said.

“So this was an explosive device.”

Commissioner Kelly said: “Any seizure of this nature is really concerning.

“However, we certainly know that there are a small minority of dissident republicans who did not agree with the Good Friday Agreement; they did not put weapons and explosives (out of use), they didn’t, you know, go through with the proper process in relation to decommissioning.

“So that is something that we continue to deal with.

“There’s a small minority of these individuals, I would describe them as radicalised republicans, and this is a threat that we’re going to continue to face for some time in An Garda Síochána.

“We work very closely with our colleagues in PSNI and the intelligence services in the UK to deal with this threat.

“But I want to commend the members of An Garda Síochána who are involved in this operation.”

Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the seizure as “very worrying”.

“I think it is very significant,” he said.

“I’ve been updated on that by the (Garda) Commissioner. I think it evidences the fact that there is an ongoing threat in respect of dissident republican activity.

“But I also know that there’s been great cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána, and I think I suppose the developments recently and the work of An Garda Síochána indicate the benefits of having that close cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Síochána.”

The minister, who also attended the Garda graduation ceremony in Co Tipperary, added: “It is very worrying. But I suppose what I’m encouraged about is that the gardaí were able to apprehend the suspect.

“The device has been, I suppose, procured for the gardaí and has been defused. So there’s lots of issues in respect of it that are concerning. But I also want to commend the gardaí for the work they did in ensuring that this didn’t become a real threat to the public.”

He said there was undoubtedly an “ongoing threat” from dissident republicanism.

“We need to recognise that, and what happened… (at Carrickmacross) is evidence of that,” said O’Callaghan.

PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police on both sides of the Irish border shared a “joint commitment” to tackle the dissident republican terror threat.

“I very much welcome this significant seizure and the arrests made by our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, with whom we work very closely on a daily basis,” he said.

“This underlines our joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups and keep communities safe.

“We will continue to liaise closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to their investigation, and provide any support as required.

Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant commended the Garda for intercepting the device.

“Huge thanks to An Garda Síochána for their quick, decisive action in Co. Monaghan,” he posted on social media.

“Intercepting a dangerous device like this undoubtedly saved lives and kept communities safe on both sides of the border.

“Strong cross-border security cooperation remains as vital as ever.”

DUP leaded Gavin Robinson described the development as “chilling”.

The east Belfast MP questioned whether the Irish government needed to increase its focus on tackling dissident republicanism.

“All those involved in stopping this deserve enormous credit,” he said.

“Their actions may have prevented innocent families from suffering unimaginable tragedy.

“This operation also raises serious questions for the Irish Government about how it is assessing the threat posed by dissident republican terrorism and whether the response is keeping pace with the danger.

“If terrorists are capable of assembling sophisticated explosive devices and moving them towards the border, then it is entirely legitimate to ask whether the threat is being fully recognised and whether sufficient resources and operational focus are being directed towards disrupting these organisations before they reach this stage.”

Sinn Féin Stormont Assembly member Gerry Kelly described those responsible for the explosive device as “reckless”.

“The interception by An Garda Síochána of an explosive device in County Monaghan, which could have caused devastating destruction and misery, is welcome,” he said.

“Those responsible represent no one, are void of support and have nothing positive to offer our communities. Their actions are entirely reckless.

“Those involved should abandon their futile actions, leave the stage once and for all, and allow our communities to continue moving forward together in peace.”