A large quantity of ammunition found in Co Clare two days ago was almost certainly linked to dissident republicans, garda soources have said.
A Garda forensic team is examining the cache of almost 1,000 rounds of ammunition that was found near Ardnacrusha, Co Clare by fisheries protection officers on Wednesday.
Follow-up searches of the surrounding area were done by gardaí, but no other weapons were found.
Garda sources revealed that the haul was almost certainly linked to dissident republican groups given the quantity and the calibre of the ammunition seized.
It also appears unlikely that the haul was destined for either of the criminal factions involved in Limerick's bitter gang feud.
An investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.