County Monaghan: Irish police have intercepted a vehicle carrying what they described as an “extremely significant” explosive device that was allegedly being transported towards Northern Ireland for a planned attack. Two people have been arrested following the operation, which targeted dissident republican activities.
The seizure was announced by Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly, who said the operation had prevented a potentially serious security incident. Authorities are continuing investigations into the intended target and those behind the alleged plot.
Car stopped near Carrickmacross
The vehicle was intercepted at around 3 pm local time on Wednesday on the N2 near Carrickmacross in County Monaghan, close to the border with Northern Ireland.
The operation was carried out as part of an intelligence-led investigation into the activities of dissident republican groups. During the search of the vehicle, officers discovered an explosive device, prompting the arrest of the occupants.
A woman in her 20s, who was driving the vehicle, was arrested at the scene. A man in his 40s was later taken into custody in connection with the investigation.
Police describe seizure as ‘extremely significant’
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the discovery as a major success for law enforcement.
“Any seizure of this nature is really concerning,” Kelly said.
He added that the device represented an “extremely significant seizure” and highlighted the continued threat posed by a small number of dissident republican organisations that remain opposed to the Good Friday Agreement.
According to Kelly, these groups never surrendered their weapons or explosives following the peace process and continue to pose a security challenge.
Reports suggest military-grade explosives
According to Irish broadcaster RTÉ, sources within An Garda Síochána said the device contained a power unit, detonator and military-grade explosives.
The report added that investigators believe the bomb was intended to be used as an under-car explosive device in an attack in Northern Ireland.
Authorities have not officially confirmed these details, and investigations are continuing to establish the intended target and the full circumstances surrounding the alleged plot.
Dissident republican threat remains
Commissioner Kelly said only a small minority of individuals continue to reject the peace process established under the 1998 Good Friday Agreement.
He described them as “radicalised republicans” and warned that they remain capable of organising violent attacks.
“We certainly know that there are a small minority of dissident republicans who did not agree with the Good Friday Agreement. They did not put weapons and explosives out of use and did not go through the proper decommissioning process,” he said.
Kelly added that Irish security agencies expect to continue dealing with this threat for the foreseeable future.
Investigation underway
Irish police have not disclosed the identities of those arrested or confirmed whether additional suspects are being sought.
Forensic teams are examining the explosive device while investigators continue to gather intelligence about the alleged plot and any wider network involved.
Authorities in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland are expected to cooperate closely as the investigation progresses.
The interception is being viewed as a significant success for security agencies, potentially preventing a serious attack and underscoring the importance of cross-border intelligence sharing in tackling extremist threats.