A Dublin museum employee and a trainee barrister have been charged with possession of explosives following the interception of an alleged car bomb near the border with Northern Ireland.
Simon O'Donovan, 44, who works at the National Museum of Ireland at Collins Barracks, was arrested after the device was stopped by the Garda Special Detective Unit near Carrickmacross, about six miles from the border. He appeared before the Special Criminal Court in Dublin on Saturday, where his bail was refused. He was remanded in custody and is scheduled to appear in court again on Monday.
Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, from County Kildare, was charged in connection with the incident and appeared before Trim District Court on Friday. She was allegedly driving the vehicle when it was stopped. Her legal representative stated that she was asked to transport a bag across the border and was unaware of its contents. During a search of the car, a bag containing Semtex and a detonator was discovered in the back seat.
Sullivan was granted bail but remains in custody pending a further bail hearing on Monday. According to her solicitor, Gavin Booth, she was previously involved with a political group and had spent time in Syria, but had since distanced herself from politics to focus on her legal studies. Booth added that Sullivan had been "manipulated" and that her parents would closely supervise her if bail conditions were met.
Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly described the seizure as "extremely significant," noting that the device was constructed from military-grade plastic and possessed the potential for substantial damage. He indicated that it is considered one of the most sophisticated bombs intercepted by police since the period of The Troubles.
The incident is suspected to be linked to a new IRA operation. O'Donovan is due to make another court appearance on Monday.