Criminal use of explosives increases 300% in Dublin

INCIDENTS in Dublin involving grenades, bombs or improvised explosive devices (IEDS) are up 300% on last year, Garda figures reveal.

Fine Gael’s Justice spokesman Charlie Flanagan said the increase was “very serious” and maintains they are linked to dissident republicans now involved in the drugs trade.

There were 24 incidents involving grenades, pipe bombs or other improvised devices in the Dublin area in 2007.