Continuity IRA suspects granted bail

Three Wexford men charged with membership of an illegal organisation following a Garda Special Branch investigation into the activities of the Continuity IRA have now been granted bail and are due to return to court on April 4 when a book of evidence may be served.

Jackie Bates (aged 55), of Jacketstown House, Jacketstown, Drinagh, Billy Phillips (aged 45), of Harbour View, Maudlintown and Robert Kearns (aged 31), of Redshire Road, Murrintown all Co Wexford were charged last Friday with membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann , otherwise the IRA on March 1.