Two men charged with IRA membership and explosives offences
Two men appeared before an out-of-hours sitting of the Special Criminal Court tonight charged with membership of the IRA and explosives offences.
The men were arrested in Co Longford on Wednesday by members of the Special Detective Unit as part of ongoing investigations in to the activities of dissident republicans.
Paul Dodd, aged 29, of St Matthews Park, Ballymahon, Co Longford is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA on June 24, 2015.
Mr Dodd is charged with possession of the component parts of an improvised explosive device, including assorted shotgun catridges, shotgun propellant, length of cardboard tube and clingfilm at his home on June 24.
He is also charged with the possession of approximately 30 assorted shotgun cartridges at the same address on the same date.
Brendan Hope (49), of Springfield Cottages, Mullingar, Co Westmeath is also charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the Irish Republican Army, otherwise the IRA on June 24, 2015.
Mr Hope is further charged with possession of an improvised explosive device containing shotgun propellant powder, a 12-gauge shotgun cartridge, a 71mm length of cardboard tube, an igniferous, clingfilm and hair bobbin at St Matthews Park, Ballymahon, Co Longford on June 24 last.
Detective Garda Colm Finnerty told State Solicitor Mr Saran Ceillier that he formally arrested the accused Paul Dodd at Barrack Street, Granard Co Longford at 5:58pm this evening.
The court heard evidence from Detective Garda Niall Armstrong, who told Mr Ceillier that he arrested Brendan Hope on Battery Road, Longford town this evening.
Neither men made any reply to their arrest or caution, the court heard.
Counsel for Mr Dodd, Mr Lorcan Staines BL, asked that the court list the matter for next Wednesday, when it is anticiptated an application for bail will be made.
Mr Stephen Byrne BL, for Mr Hope, said he would make a similar application and ask for a remand until next Wednesday.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Tony Hunt, sitting with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge William Hamill, remanded the men in custody to appear before the court on July 1.
