Army deals with three bomb disposal callouts every week

The army’s bomb squad was called out nearly three times every week this year to make safe unexploded devices.

The specialist unit dealt with 145 bomb disposal call-outs up to yesterday, and the army also provided 11 escorts to protect explosives which were being used for industrial purposes.

According to figures released by the Defence Forces, army personnel also aided gardaí with 130 prisoner escorts, while 260 troops were drafted in to provide security for the visit of Prince Charles last May.