A man has appeared in court in Dublin charged in connection with incidents of criminal damage at several State buildings yesterday.
David O'Callaghan from The Fairways, Woodbrook Glen, Bray, Co Wicklow, appeared before Dublin district court this afternoon.
The 40-year-old was charged with five counts of criminal damage under section 2 of the Criminal Damages Act.
The court heard that at 2.15am yesterday morning a white Ford Transit van made a U-turn outside the entrance to Áras an Uachtaráin before then reversing into the gates and driving off.
The van then drove on to the Custom House where it once again reversed into the gates forcing them open.
The van then drove onto Merrion Street Upper, where the van rammed three gates in and around the Houses of the Oireachtas including the main gates of the Department of the Taoiseach, the rear gates of Leinster House and the North Road gate at Government Buildings.
The court heard that severe damage was caused to the North Road gate in particular, leaving it breached and wide open.
The damage caused to the gates is estimated to cost tens of thousands of euro.
Garda Will McCarthy said the accused was arrested at the scene and later charged and cautioned at Pearse Street Garda station.
The court heard all the incidents had been captured on CCTV and the van could be seen swerving to avoid road users on two occasions.
Gda McCarthy said further charges may arise in relation to the case.
Gardaí objected to bail on several grounds including the seriousness of the offences.
He said gardaí objected to bail on several grounds including the seriousness of the offences and concerns that the accused was a danger to the public at large.
Judge William Alymer remanded the accused in custody with consent to bail, subject to several conditions, including the provision of an independent surety of €5,000.
He will appear again before Cloverhill District Court on 8 August.
