Two charged with explosives and firearms offences
Two men arrested last week during garda investigations into dissident terrorist activity in Co Galway were charged at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today with explosives and firearms offences.
Thomas Hughes(aged 40), of An Tuairin, Dublin Road, Tuam, Co Galway was charged with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance, ammonium nitrate, at One Hundred Acres, Monivea, Co Galway on January 24.
He was also charged with the unlawful possession of a revolver and 62 rounds of ammunition at An Tuairin, Tuam. Co Galway on January 26.
Thomas Coffey (aged 47), of One Hundred Acres, Monivea, Athenry, Co Galway was charged with the unlawful possession of an explosive substance, ammonium nitrate, at One Hundred Acres, Monivea on January 26 and with the unlawful possession of a revolver and five rounds of ammunition at the same address on the same date.
Detective Inspector Gerard Roche, Galway, gave evidence of arresting Hughes last night at Galway Garda Station for the purpose of charging. He said that Hughes replied:``No comment’’ when the charges were put to him.
Detective Garda John Leahy gave evidence of arresting Coffey at Galway Garda Station last night and he said that Coffey replied:’’No comment’’ when the charges were put to him.
The court remanded both men in custody until Friday when bail applications are expected to be made.
