Gardaí complete ballistics reports on guns and explosives allegedly found at Douglas house 

The court heard that directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions could take four to six weeks

Paul Sheehan has been in custody for four and a half months on these charges alone and that he maintained his innocence. Picture; Eddie O'Hare

Ballistics reports on a stash of guns, ammunition and explosives allegedly found at a house in Douglas last November have been completed and it is anticipated by the prosecution that the garda file will be sent to the DPP by the end of the week.

Sergeant Gearóid Davis said the completed garda file would be sent to the DPP by March 20.

Defence barrister Sarah Patton complained of delay and said the defendant, Paul Sheehan, aged 45, was now in custody for four and a half months on these charges alone and that he maintained his innocence.

Sgt Davis said directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions could take four to six weeks.

Ms Patton said the accused would not concede to a remand in custody for longer than the fortnight for which he could be remanded without his consent. Judge Mary Dorgan remanded him in custody until March 30 for DPP directions.

The case relates to the alleged discovery of firearms and explosives at a house in Douglas in November. Paul Sheehan of Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas in Cork appeared in court by video link from prison.

Case background

Detective Garda Anthony Daly said in an earlier outline of the allegations against the accused: “He was discovered in possession of illegally held firearms and ammunition on November 4, 2025, in suspicious circumstances at Applegreen Service Station in Mallow.

“A follow-up search in the early hours of the following was conducted at his home address at Elm Drive, Shamrock Lawn, Douglas, Cork, and a large amount of firearm components, firearms, explosives and equipment for manufacturing, altering and producing firearms and ammunition was located.

“The Army bomb disposal unit and members from the ballistics section of An Garda Siochana were deployed to attend, contain and make safe the scene.

“When he was searched at Applegreen Service Station on November 4 he was caught red-handed in possession of a 32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a slide of a 9mm Glock 17 semi-automatic pistol, firearm components, ammunition and a quantity of cocaine. There was evidence of a firearm having being discharged from within the vehicle.

“In the search at his home, a large amount of firearms, ammunition and explosive substances were found, including three pipe bomb bodies. Evidence of the manufacture and alteration of firearms and ammunition was also discovered.” 

He faces charges contrary to the Firearms and Offensive Weapons Act, 1990 and one under the Explosive Substances Act of 1883. 

The charges include possession of a .32 calibre Beretta semi-automatic pistol, a deactivated .38 calibre Smith & Wesson revolver, a slide for a 9mm Glock semi-automatic pistol and three pipe bomb bodies. 

Det. Garda Daly said the case will be dealt with at the Special Criminal Court.