Two charged with terrorist membership

Two men arrested during a Garda investigation into the activities of dissident republicans were charged with membership of an illegal organisation at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today.

The two men were arrested by Special Branch detectives at Edgeworthstown, Co Longford on Sunday and taken for questioning to Clondalkin Garda Station in Dublin.

Adrian Kirwan, aged 25, a native of Ballymun in Dublin, with an address at Ardilaun Green, Ballymahon Road, Mullingar, Co Westmeath and Colum Wiggins, aged 24, of Annagry, Letterkenny, Co Donegal were each charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA on December 5.

Detective Garda Gerard Doherty gave evidence of arresting Kirwan at Edgeworthstown, Co Longford on Sunday on suspicion of possession of an explosive substance.

Detective Garda Jonathan O' Rourke also gave evidence of arresting Wiggins at Edgeworthstown on Sunday on suspicion of possession of an explosive substance.

The court heard that both men were taken to Clondalkin Garda Station and that orders extending their detention by a further 24 hours were made by Detective Chief Superintendent Phil Kelly of the Special Detective Unit.

Both men were remanded in custody until next Monday when a bail application is expected to be heard.