Two men are being questioned about an attack on a security guard at an Iarnród Éireann compound earlier this month.
The two, who were in their 30s and known to gardaí, were arrested in Carlow.
Gardaí recovered material which they believe was stolen from the rural compound at Kilbricken in Co Laois, as well as a weapon they believe was used in the attack.
The security guard was beaten and seriously injured in the early hours of 5 December.
He spent eight hours in the boot of his own car before he was released.
An Iarnród Éireann spokesman said the security guard was "very, very shaken" after the incident.
The men are being detained at Portlaoise Garda Station.
