A MAN was remanded in custody yesterday following the seizure of nearly 18kg of industrial explosives at a private house near Oranmore, Co Galway, at the weekend.
Oliver Mannion (30), an unemployed single man, appeared before Galway District Court charged with unlawful possession of explosives at Rinville West, Oranmore on September 6th, contrary to Section 4 of the Explosive Substances Act, 1997.
Garda Paudie O'Shea gave evidence of charging Mr Mannion at Mill Street Garda station, Galway, at noon yesterday. He said Mr Mannion replied "no comment" when the charge was put to him.
Garda O'Shea objected to an application for bail, stating a "substantial" amount of explosives was found and that a substantial sentence followed on conviction for such an offence.
Defence solicitor Gearóid Geraghty said his client lived at home with his parents at Rinville and would surrender his passport and abide by any bail conditions.
Refusing bail, Judge Mary Fahy remanded Mr Mannion in custody to appear before Harristown Remand District Court on Friday, September 12th.
Earlier in the day, Judge Fahy granted an application by gardaí to have the detention of two other men, also arrested at Rinville on Saturday, extended for 24 hours.
Supt PJ Durkan gave evidence that gardaí needed the extension to question the men further about the source of the explosives.
A woman who was also arrested on Saturday was released without charge.