A Dublin man, described as "a dedicated and committed member of the `Real IRA'," accepted responsibility for detonating cord containing Semtex which could have been used in the manufacture of nine bombs, the Special Criminal Court was told.
Det Insp Diarmuid O'Sullivan, of the Special Detective Unit, said the nine lengths of detonating cord, when used as a booster for home-made explosives, were capable of exploding nine bombs or three bombs of 1 1/2 tonnes each.
He was opposing bail for Mr Paul McIntyre. He said he believed that if granted bail Mr McIntyre would commit further offences with the "Real IRA".
Mr McIntyre (21), of Caledon Road, East Wall, Dublin, is charged with having an explosive substance, including nine lengths of improvised detonating cord, time and power units, circuitry and other explosive material at Great Strand Street, Dublin, on May 2nd.
Det Insp O'Sullivan said that after Mr McIntyre's arrest in Dublin last week, gardai found detonating cord, two time and power units and other material hidden under stairs at Mr McIntyre's place of work in Great Strand Street.
The detonating cord contained ground-down Semtex and was used as a booster for home-made explosives. He said Mr McIntyre accepted full responsibility for the items and said they belonged to the organisation styling itself the "Real IRA".
The detective said the explosive material was intended for use in attacks outside the jurisdiction. According to Garda intelligence, the "Real IRA" had adopted a new constitution since last year which did not recognise the State. It was committed to violence.
Mr Justice Barr said the court was satisfied there was a reasonable ground for refusing bail to prevent the commission of "a catastrophic offence" by the "Real IRA". Mr McIntyre was remanded in custody until May 30th.