Westmeath arrest in dissident republican investigation

A 48 year-old man has been arrested in Mullingar, Co Westmeath in connection with the activities of dissident republicans in the border and Midlands regions.
 
As a result of an ongoing investigation by members of An Garda Siochana from the Special Detective Unit, Harcourt Sq and Crime & Security Branch, Garda Headquarters, into the activities of dissident republicans in the border and Midlands regions, two cars were stopped in north County Meath on the N52 yesterday (Wednesday).

During a search of the two cars a number of suspect items were recovered. The Army EOD team were immediately contacted and a cordon was put in place. Two males aged 42 and 49 were arrested under the provisions of section 30 Offences Against the State Act 1939 as amended for membership of an Unlawful Organisation and possession of explosive substances and are being detained at Drogheda Garda station.

During a follow up search of a dwelling house in Mullingar a male aged 48 was arrested under the provisions of section 30 Offences Against the State Act 1939 as amended for membership of an Unlawful Organisation and possession of explosive substances and was detained at Tullamore Garda station.

The items seized are currently subject of a technical examination at the Garda Technical Bureau, Garda Headquarters. The investigation is ongoing.