Eight quizzed after garda raids target dissidents

Eight suspected dissident republicans have been arrested in a massive anti-terror blitz against the Óglaigh na hÉireann splinter group.

A tube and equipment to launch a mortar, a Magnum revolver and a large quantity of ammunition and bomb-making material were seized during 15 raids across four counties.

The men are suspected of being the backbone of a dissident group targeting the security forces in the North, storing and moving weapons and components for explosive devices.

A senior Garda source said the eight were believed to be part of the splinter group which formed out of a breakaway from the Real IRA.

“These guys are associated with dissidents,” he said.

“They give logistical support to groups in the north who are targeting the security forces.”

Two businesses and 13 homes were targeted in the dawn raids across Wexford, Waterford, Clare and Longford. The handgun and bullets were seized during one of the raids in Wexford, a spokesman said.

Gardaí said the suspects range in age from their 20s to their 50s.

Other searches across the country recovered suspected component parts, equipment and material which may have been destined for use in explosive devices.

A well-known republican in his mid-60s is being held at Ennis Garda Station in Co Clare.

Two men – one in his 50s and one in his late 20s – are being questioned in New Ross.

Another two – one in his 40s and the other in his late 20s – are being held at Waterford Garda Station, two in their 20s and 30s in Tramore, and a man in his early 30s at Dungarvan.

All eight suspects have been detained under Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act on suspicion of membership of an unlawful organisation and unlawful possession of firearms and explosives.

The operation, organised by the Special Detective Unit and supported by local units, spanned the South-Eastern, Southern and Western Garda Regions.