A pipe-bomb was found inside the perimeter of Gormanston Army camp, Co Meath, yesterday. It was discovered approximately 40 metres from an accommodation block housing some of the 200 or so soldiers stationed there.
A passing-out parade is due to take place there today and the security implications of such a device being found inside the complex are being assessed.
The device was in good condition and appeared to have been in situ for only a short time, perhaps a couple of days. While it had all the components of a pipe-bomb, tests are being carried out to ascertain if a black power found inside it was in fact explosive.
"We are not jumping to conclusions but are of course concerned that this would be found inside a military barracks," said an Army spokesman last night.
The bomb disposal unit from Cathal Brugha barracks was called in and made the device safe. A preliminary examination revealed that a fault in the pipe-bomb would have prevented it from exploding. It has been handed over to the military police for further investigation.
The device was found by a soldier yesterday afternoon on grass some 30 to 40 metres from one of the accommodation units. The suspicion is that it may have been thrown over the perimeter fence.
The army spokesman said that such devices are ineffective in open areas and for any damage to be caused it would have to explode in a closed and confined area.
The origin of the bomb was a mystery last night as it is the first such incident in memory in the Defence Forces. There is nothing at the moment to suggest it belonged to the Army and the outcome of technical tests is awaited.