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.

Tue, 07 Oct, 2008 - 01:00

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.

This year so far, there have been 76 such incidents.

“I would have to point the finger at former republicans who have moved from acts of terrorism into drugs and other illegal activities and are using these devices as a form of intimidation,” said Mr Flanagan.

“The increase in these kinds of attacks is a very serious issue as some of them have been quite lethal and sophisticated and are being left in public places.”

Mr Flanagan added that while the gardaí and the army bomb disposal unit have had success so far in disabling many of the devices, the increased use of explosives by gangland criminals is sinister and to do with money and drugs.

“It makes sense that as they are increasing someone is going to get seriously hurt or maimed soon if this continues,” he said.

So far this year the Defence Force’s Explosive Ordnance Device team attended 56 incidents and worked to disable the devices — this compared to 17 call outs for all of last year.

Homemade bombs, or IEDS, have been widely used in Dublin gang feuds in the past 18 months.

Gardaí have linked a number of bomb finds with a major feud between rival Dublin city gangs in the Crumlin-Drimnagh area, which has claimed 10 lives since 2005.

While it is believed former republicans — namely the INLA — have been behind some of the more sophisticated devices, criminals have also tried to make their own bombs.

Some have been disguised in crisp packets and gardaí are concerned that innocent children could become victims of homemade IEDs.

The Department of Justice said it would not be helpful to comment on the specific details of Garda operations but that the Garda Síochána is firmly focused on disrupting the criminal elements involved in all such activities and bringing them before the courts.