Gardaí in Tipperary appear to have foiled a bomb attack by dissident republicans, after seizing explosives and bomb-making equipment. The find, which is being linked to the Continuity IRA, includes two semtex bombs, primed and ready for use. A Garda spokesman described it as a "lethal cocktail". The Continuity IRA is the only republican group not on cease-fire. The seizure was made when Gardaí stopped a van near Cahir in County Tipperary. A 39-year-old man from Limerick is being questioned at Cahir Garda Station.
The full extent of the seizure became clear when it was put on display at Cahir Garda Station this afternoon. There were two drogue bombs capable of being propelled from the back of a lorry. Each bomb contained half a pound of semtex and was housed in four-inch plastic tubing. Each bomb was primed. There were component parts for making 12 other drogue bombs and component parts for making 24 other improvised projector grenades or IPG's, which are normally fired from the shoulder. There was also a quantity of home-made detonating cord. A ballistic and forensic team from Garda headquarters is continuing to examine the seizure.
Gardaí believe that the haul is significant and that the bomb making equipment belonged to the Continuity IRA - the dissident republican group linked to Republican Sinn Féin - and which is not on cease-fire. The Tánaiste has commended the Gardaí on the discovery of bomb making equipment. Speaking in Newry, Mary Harney said that those involved in bomb-making were part of a tiny minority still opposed to the Belfast Agreement.
