Gardaí arrest nine as part of investigation into dissidents

Gardaí investigating dissident republican activity have today arrested nine men following searches in Louth, Waterford and Wexford.

A number of items, believed to be explosive devices, were found during one of the searches in Wexford and an area has been sealed off.

Gardaí from specialist units assisted by local gardaí from the South Eastern and Northern Regions were involved in the operation.

Two men, aged 20 and 33, were detained after a house in Dunleer in Co Louth was searched. A firearm and ammunition was also found.

Both men have been detained under Section 30 Offences Against the State Act and are being questioned at Whitehall and Santry garda stations.

Seven men, ranging in age from 19 to 71, were arrested when a number of searches were carried out in Waterford and Wexford.

During one of the searches in Barntown in Wexford a number of items were found. They are believed to be explosive devices and the area has been sealed off.

Gardaí say the operation and the investigation are ongoing.