Gardaí charge Kildare man with unlawfully possessing explosive

A Kildare man has appeared before the Special Criminal Court this afternoon charged with the unlawful possession of explosives.

Seamus Victory (aged 51) of Kilcullen road, Quinsborough, Monasterevin, was charged with the unlawful possession of explosives at a farm yard near Quinsborough on January 12.

The charge includes knowingly possessing an explosive substance, as well as ten launch tubes for improvised explosive devices, base plates suitable for use with such launch tubes and cutting and welding equipment.

The man was arrested following Garda investigations into dissident terrorist activity and the discovery of what was described as a suspected bomb factory at the farm in Co Kildare.

The three-judge court, with Mr Justice Paul Butler presiding, heard details of arrest, charge and caution.

Detective Garda Connor Morgan of the Special Detective Unit told the court that the man was cautioned at Naas garda station.

The man was remanded in custody to appear in front of the non-jury court on Tuesday next.