Gardaí thwart real IRA bomb plot

Gardaí believe they have may foiled a Real IRA bomb plot aimed at disrupting the deadline set in the Northern political process, it emerged today.

A device and explosives were found near Bunclody in Kilbranish, Mount Leinster in Co Carlow last night.

Gardaí called the Army bomb disposal unit to the scene.

A spokesman for the Defence Forces said due to the lack of light the area was secured overnight. Members of the Army EOD team made the devices safe without a controlled explosion at first light this morning.

The spokesman said the device consisted of a hollowed out gas cylinder, with improvised explosives. He said: "There was a tube coming from it which indicated it was primed for detonation. It indicated it was ready to use in the near future."

It is believed the Real IRA may have been testing bombs in the area ahead of the deadline of November 24 which was set for parties to reach agreement in the North.

Fears have been raised over the past week of a developing campaign by dissident republicans who have been responsible for a series of incendiary bomb attacks on DIY stores across the North.