Gardaí anxious 'determined' dissidents could use 1916 centenary to recruit
Gardaí are concerned that the centenary of the Rising could be used by dissident republicans to recruit new members.
A sample of arms, explosives and ammunition seized by gardai in the past two years has been put on display to remind the public of the ongoing threat of dissidents.
This year will see a raft of commemorations to celebrate 100 years since the Easter Rising, but it’s also put Gardaí on high alert for dissident republicans.
Gardaí say they spend significant resources here monitoring at least three dissident republican groups, and though the numbers are small, they are determined.
Assistant Commissioner John O'Mahony says they are concerned that dissidents will use the centenary as a recruitment tool for new members.
While attacks are rare in the south, Gardaí say they have succeded in disrupting the activities of dissident republicans.
In particular, Assistant Commissioner O’Mahony says they prevented attacks during the British Royals’ visits in recent years.
Asst commissioner John O'Mahony, Crime & Security with some weapons recovered during intelligence led investigations pic.twitter.com/RRv9tgPQib
— Garda Info (@gardainfo) January 6, 2016
Bales of Semtex, home-made rocket launchers, AK47s and handguns are just some of the items discovered by Gardaí in places including Cork, Mayo, Waterford and Louth in the past two years.
Gardaí are urging members of the public to report anything suspicious in their area, in confidence if they wish.
