Reports that Gardaí intercepted a completed “ready for use” bomb allegedly destined for just across the Armagh border are “chilling” and raise “deeply uncomfortable questions” for the Irish Government.
Newry and Armagh MLA Gareth Wilson was speaking after An Garda Síochána confirmed that members of its Special Detective Unit (SDU) stopped a vehicle on the N2 south of Carrickmacross at around 3pm on Wednesday, July 22.
He said: “Reports that police in the Republic intercepted a completed terrorist bomb allegedly destined for Northern Ireland just across the Armagh border are chilling. It was, according to reports, a live terrorist operation that could have resulted in loss of life.
“All those involved in stopping this deserve enormous credit. Their actions may have prevented innocent families from suffering unimaginable tragedy.”
However, Mr Wilson said the nature of the incident raised serious concerns about the capabilities of dissident republicans and the response of authorities in the Republic.
“But this operation also raises deeply uncomfortable questions for the Irish Government,” he continued.
“How is it that dissident republican terrorists remain capable of assembling sophisticated explosive devices and allegedly transporting them towards the border? People are entitled to ask what grip the Irish authorities truly have on these organisations.
“This incident is a stark reminder that these terrorists remain active, organised and intent on mayhem. The response from both governments must be relentless. We cannot allow a return to the darkest days of our past.”
Gardaí said that following the vehicle stop, assistance was requested from the Irish Defence Forces Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) team, which conducted an examination of the vehicle.
They added that “the outcome is not being released for operational reasons”.
A woman in her 20s, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested at the scene and is being questioned.
A man in his 40s has since been arrested in connection with the investigation and is also being detained. Investigations are ongoing.
The PSNI confirmed it is working closely with Gardaí following the operation.
Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck, from the PSNI’s Crime Department, said he “very much” welcomed the “significant seizure and the arrests made” by An Garda Síochána, with whom the force works “very closely on a daily basis”.
“This underlines our joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups and keep communities safe,” he said.
“We will continue to liaise closely with An Garda Síochána in relation to their investigation, and provide any support as required.”
