Dundalk man charged with explosives offences

A Dundalk man was charged at a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court in Dublin this evening with the possession of an explosive device at a hotel last November.

Justin McCarthy (aged 28), of Farndreg, Dundalk, Co Louth was charged with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance – an improvised explosive device with a timing power unit – at the Europa Hotel, Painstown, Drogheda, Co Meath on November 25 last.

He was also charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann , otherwise the IRA on May 16 this year.

Detective Sergeant Tom Duffy, Dundalk, gave evidence of arresting McCarthy in Balbriggan at 3.20pm today on suspicion of possession of an explosive substance at the hotel last November.

He said that McCarthy made no reply after he was cautioned. The court remanded McCarthy in custody until Friday when a bail application will be heard. Prosecution solicitor Mr Denis Butler said there would be no garda objection to bail provided an independent surety was available.