Gardaí know locations of arms dumps
However, they can’t search for the explosives and weapons because it would be too politically sensitive to do so.
Senior gardaí and Government figures fear any such move would put in jeopardy the already deteriorating relationship between the IRA and the Irish and British Governments.
This relationship has become particularly fragile in the last week after the British government deferred elections in the North.
British Prime Minister Tony Blair strongly criticised the IRA for not answering his questions clearly on whether all paramilitary activities would end.
Sinn Féin president Gerry Adams also launched a personal attack on Justice Minister Michael McDowell.
A report in yesterday’s Observer newspaper said gardaí can now pinpoint the sites of 75% of the IRA’s secret arms dumps.
A senior garda said political considerations prevented the force from digging for the guns and explosives.
The dumps are estimated to contain more than 100 tonnes of weapons and explosives, and are thought to be in good condition.
They include more than 1,000 Kalashnikov rifles delivered by Libya, more than 500 handguns, as well as heavy machine guns. There are also an unknown number of rocket launchers and mortars, unknown quantities of Semtex explosives and surface-to-air missiles.
The dumps are located across the country, many of them in counties Kerry, Meath and Louth.
Special garda divisions, including the Security and Intelligence Section and the Special Detective Unit, are believed to have amassed considerable intelligence on the location of dumps. It is thought some of the intelligence was gleaned from informants.
Surveillance of the dumps is very difficult particularly after the force’s overtime budget was slashed. This has led to fears in garda and, to some extent, IRA circles, that some guns are being used for criminal purposes by elements in the IRA.
It is believed weapons, such as Kalashnikovs, have been used for armed robberies by activists for personal gain.
It was reported the IRA may have been exploring the possibility of selling Semtex to armed guerrillas in Colombia. Three republicans are on trial in Colombia after allegedly training FARC rebels.
