FOUR MEN arrested after a Garda investigation into the activities of dissident republicans appeared before a special sitting of the Special Criminal Court on Saturday charged with explosives and firearms offences.
Joseph O’Brien (27), of Cherryorchard Heights, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, was charged with unlawful possession of firearms and ammunition at the Promenade, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford, on September 22nd, 2011.
The charges include the unlawful possession of a Smith Wesson .41 Magnum revolver with a filed-off serial number and more than 200 rounds of ammunition.
Det Garda Kerry O’Rourke, of New Ross Garda station, told State solicitor Mary Kate Halpain that she arrested the accused at 8.42pm in Marsh Meadows, New Ross, on Friday for the purposes of bringing him before the Special Criminal Court.
She told Ms Halpain she explained to Mr O’Brien in ordinary language the reason for his arrest and that he made no reply.
Joseph Mooney (43), of Cullinagh, Kilmeadan, Co Waterford, was charged with the unlawful possession of three mortar firing tubes at his home on September 22nd last.
Det Garda David Walsh told Ms Halpain that Mr Mooney was arrested on Patrick Street in Waterford on Friday evening and that he replied “no comment” when the charge was read to him.
Desmond Brennan (64), of Clonroad, Ennis, Co Clare, was charged with having explosive substances, namely mercury, nitric acid and ethanol, at his home on September 22nd, 2011.
Det Garda Michael Moloney, of Ennis Garda station, told Ms Halpain he arrested the accused at 9pm on Abbey Street in Ennis on Friday for the purposes of bringing him before the Special Criminal Court.
He said Mr Brennan made no reply when the charge was put to him.
David Rockett (29), of Grawn Lower, Kilmacthomas, Co Waterford, was charged with the unlawful possession of three improvised explosive devices on dates unknown between January 1st, 2011, and September 22nd, 2011 inclusive.
The charges include the unlawful possession of two mortar launch tubes at his home address and the unlawful possession of one tube at Military Road, Killadangan, Co Waterford.
Det Garda Siobhán Keating, of Waterford Garda station, told Ms Halpain she arrested the accused at 10.05am on Saturday on Patrick Street, Waterford.
She said she explained to Mr Rockett in ordinary language the reason for his arrest and that he made no reply when cautioned.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler, sitting with Judge Alison Lindsay and Judge Flannan Brennan, remanded the four in custody with liberty to apply for bail to appear before the non-jury court again on Thursday, September 29th.