Woman held after anti-dissident raids

A 10th suspect was being questioned today in a major operation against dissident republicans.

The 24-year-old woman was taken into custody in Co Wexford yesterday, the day after nine men were detained during garda raids across in the county and in counties Louth and Waterford.

Bomb-making components, a handgun and ammunition were also seized in Friday’s searches.

The men – aged from 19 to 71 – can be held for up to 72 hours.

Last night a Garda spokeswoman announced the further arrest. He said the woman was detained yesterday morning and is being held at Wexford garda station.

On Friday, officers revealed a house in Keelogue, Barntown, Co Wexford, was sealed off when a number of items, believed to be the component parts of explosive devices, were found.

Six men were arrested, including the pensioner who is being held at Enniscorthy garda station.

Elsewhere a 27-year-old is being detained in Wexford Town, two men – aged 21 and 50 – are being questioned in New Ross, and two other suspects – 19 and 23 - were taken to Thomastown.

Ammunition and a firearm were also recovered during the search of a house in Dunleer, Co Louth, and two men, aged 20 and 33, arrested.

The ninth man, aged 27, was arrested in Waterford.

All of the suspects are being held under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act.

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