Two remanded on explosives charges

Two men have been further remanded in custody charged with possessing explosive substances in Co Louth.

Two men have been further remanded in custody charged with possessing explosive substances in Co Louth.

Conan Murphy (23), with an address at Plaster, Mount Pleasant, Dundalk, Co Louth, was charged with unlawfully possessing explosive materials on May 22nd last.

Gardai raided an address at Mount Pleasant and discovered an improvised trailer and two gas cylinders that had been "adapted" to cause an explosion.

Mr Murphy  appeared before the Special Criminal Court today where his defence barrister informed the court that bail conditions had been agreed on.

Kerida Nadoo BL, said that an independent surety of €20,000 has been agreed on and the sum is in a bank account. Mr Murphy has to adhere to a curfew between 1am and 7am and has to reside at an address at Ravensdale in Co Louth.

He must surrender his passport and sign on at Dundalk Garda station.

He cannot associate with anyone who has been charged with a scheduled offence, except for any family members.

Mr Nadoo said that Murphy works in his family's pub in Dundalk and the Gardai are aware of this. He is bound to keep the peace and he cannot associate with his co-accused, Philip McKevitt (56)

Mr McKevitt, of Aghaboys, Mount Pleasant, is also charged with unlawfully possessing explosive materials on May 22nd.

Diarmaid McGuinness SC, for Mr McKevitt, told the court that his client was not seeking bail at this stage, but that it was anticipated he would in the coming weeks.

Mr McGuinness asked that the court be put on notice in case his client wishes to apply for bail during the court's holiday term.

Mr Justice Paul Butler, presiding at the three-judge court on-jury court, remanded Mr Murphy in custody with consent to bail, and agreed that the court be put on notice in the event that Mr McKevitt wishes to apply for bail.

The two men are due before the court again on October 19th.