Man charged with possessing explosives

A 22-year-old man has been charged with membership of an unlawful organisation and possession of explosives in his north Dublin home.

Joseph Conlon of St Anne’s Drive, Raheny, was charged before the Special Criminal Court today with membership of an organisation styling itself the IRA, otherwise Oglaigh na hEireann on September 30. He was also charged with possession of explosive substances at his home on the same date.

The substances mentioned in court included a rectangular plastic Tupperware box containing 55 firework fuses; a round plastic Tupperware box containing 130 grams of firework pyrotechnic powder; a mortar and pestle, three Roman candle fireworks; a plastic tool box containing bulbs, wires, a pipe cutter, pliers, file and a roll of solder; and a plastic bag containing match heads and empty firework wrapping.

Detective Garda Robert Reilly told the court that he arrested the defendant on North Circular Road this afternoon for the purpose of charging him and that the defendant’s response was: “No comment”.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, Judge Joseph Matthews and Judge William Hamill remanded the accused in custody until Friday next at the Special Criminal Court.