Two men questioned over Longford pipe bomb haul

GARDAÍ were last night questioning two men over the cache of deadly pipe bombs which were primed for use before being found by police on Sunday.

The men, one aged 44 and the other 18 and understood to be father and son, were arrested shortly after the Gardaí raided a house on Killashee Road three miles outside Longford town on the Lanesboro Road at 7.30pm on Sunday.

One of the men was arrested at the property where the eight pipe bombs were discovered, while the other was arrested elsewhere a short time later. Both were being questioned at Longford Garda Station last night and can be detained for a maximum of 72 hours. They are being held under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. It is understood they are settled members of the Traveller community.

According to the Defence Forces the eight pipe bombs were “viable”, meaning they were ready for use.

Gardaí raided the premises on a search warrant as part of a planned operation. The pipe bombs, which were found at the back of the building, were destined for use by feuding criminal gangs, it is understood.

The Army Bomb Disposal Team arrived at the house in Knockonboy, Longford at 9.35pm on Sunday and the scene was declared safe at 10.25pm.

The pipe bombs were made safe at the scene without the need for a controlled explosion. The devices were later removed to Custume Military Barracks in Athlone for further examination. The devices will then be handed over to the Garda Forensic Team as part of its ongoing investigation.

Gardaí said they were pleased with the seizure, which was described as significant. They did not say where the pipe bombs may have been used, but it is understood that they may have been destined for Limerick as it is thought the two men arrested do not have any links to gangs in Dublin.

Gardaí searched a second premises in Co Longford yesterday as part of the investigation, although it is understood no further evidence was uncovered.

Local Fine Gael Cllr Peggy Nolan said the discovery of the pipe bombs had stunned those living in Longford.

“I am appalled,” she said. “It is very scary.”