Gardaí suspect New IRA planned to move military-grade explosives across border
Members of the Garda’s Special Detective Unit stopped the vehicle travelling on the N2 south of Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan on Wednesday afternoon. Picture: Philip Fitzpatrick
Gardaí suspect the New IRA attempted to transport suspected military-grade explosives across the border believing garda counter-terrorism resources were focused on policing Ireland's EU Presidency.
The explosives — believed to be capable of causing significant damage to property and causing serious injury or death — were discovered in a vehicle stopped near Carrickmacross, Co Monaghan, on Wednesday afternoon.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the seizure as "extremely significant", while justice minister Jim O'Callaghan said it was "very worrying".
The driver of the vehicle, a woman in her early 20s, is from the north-west and is training to be a solicitor.
A second suspect, a man in his 40s living in Dublin, was later arrested in the capital.
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The operation was carried out by the Garda Special Detective Unit, the force's counter-terrorism division, at about 3pm on Wednesday.
Garda Security and Intelligence, the PSNI, and the British security service MI5 are understood to have been involved in the intelligence operation.
Following the vehicle stop, gardaí requested assistance from an Army Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which made the device safe.
The explosives have been described by security sources as suspected "military-grade" material, with forensic examinations continuing.
The Garda statement said: “A female (aged in her 20s), the driver of the vehicle, arrested and detained pursuant to Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 (as amended), continues to be detained.
“A male (aged in his 40’s) has since been arrested in connection with the investigation, and is detained pursuant to Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act, 1939 (as amended), at a Garda station in the Dublin region.”
Security sources believe the New IRA may have concluded that the period of Ireland's EU Presidency presented an opportunity to move explosives across the Border because of the demands placed on Garda resources.
"The terrorist gang most likely believed counter terrorist activity and resources have been impacted by the EU Presidency,” one security source said.
“However that's not the case. It’s business as usual. Internal security obligations, across the threat environment, remains fully catered for in Presidency planning."
Sources declined to comment on the intended target of the explosive device or when it may have been intended for use.
Security services on both sides of the Border have reported increased activity by the New IRA, including a car bomb outside Dunmurry PSNI station in April and an attempted car bombing at Lurgan Police Station in March.
The New IRA claimed responsibility for both incidents.
Speaking at a Garda graduation ceremony in Templemore, Co Tipperary, Commissioner Kelly again described the seizure as "extremely significant".
He said it remained concerning that a small group of dissident republicans had not decommissioned weapons and explosives.
He described them as "radicalised republicans" and said he was not surprised that the woman arrested was in her 20s, adding that young people were being radicalised by terrorist groups, not only in republican circles.
Mr O'Callaghan described the seizure as "very worrying" but said he was encouraged that gardaí had intercepted the vehicle and rendered the device safe before it could pose a threat to the public.
The commissioner and minister also met PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher, who attended the graduation ceremony.
In a statement, PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said: "I very much welcome this significant seizure and the arrests made by our colleagues in An Garda Síochána, with whom we work very closely on a daily basis.
"This underlines our joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups and keep communities safe.
"We will continue to liaise closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to their investigation, and provide any support as required."
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