Gardaí seize dissident weapons

GARDAÍ have made another significant breakthrough in their fight against dissident republicanism with the seizure of weapons and bomb-making equipment.

Just hours after the release of eight people detained as part of an investigation into dissident republican activity, gardaí carried out searches in Louth and Meath.

The special detective unit, assisted by gardaí, recovered a machine gun, a shotgun, a pipe bomb, an improvised mortar, ammunition, bomb-making equipment and explosives at Dunleer Woods.

The Defence Forces confirmed an Army bomb disposal team made the weapons and explosives safe. Garda Commissioner Fachtna Murphy said the find represented a further step in the determined strategy of the gardaí to “target, disrupt and detect the activities of dissident republicans”.

“We continue to work closely with our colleagues in the PSNI and the security service to thwart the intent of a small group of people who want to inflict violence and pain on communities,” he said.

“Our objective is to stop them in their tracks and secure evidence to put them before the court.”

Justice Minister Dermot Ahern said: “This was a very significant find at a time when the threat from dissident groups poses dangers for law abiding people.”

The eight people released yesterday were among 10 arrested on Friday and Saturday. Seven were arrested in Wexford, two in Louth and one in Waterford. Two of those were charged at the Special Criminal Court on Saturday.

Gardaí will determine over the coming weeks and months whether or not to push for charges against those released.