Irish police have intercepted a vehicle carrying what officials described as an “extremely significant” bomb that was allegedly being transported across the border for use in Northern Ireland.
_x000D_The vehicle was stopped in County Monaghan on Wednesday during an intelligence-led operation targeting dissident republican activity. Authorities believe the explosive device was intended for an attack on a police station in Northern Ireland.
_x000D_A woman in her 20s has since been charged and is scheduled to appear before a court in County Meath, while a man in his 40s remains in police custody.
_x000D_ _x000D_Police Suspect New IRA Involvement
_x000D_Security sources believe the New IRA was likely behind the planned attack, although investigations remain ongoing.
_x000D_The suspect vehicle was intercepted on the N2 near Carrickmacross at approximately 3:00 p.m. local time.
_x000D_Irish Police Commissioner Justin Kelly confirmed officers recovered a fully assembled explosive device from the vehicle.
_x000D_According to Irish media reports, the bomb contained a power unit, detonator and military-grade explosives.
_x000D_ _x000D_Authorities Say Bomb Could Have Caused Major Damage
_x000D_Commissioner Kelly described the recovered device as highly dangerous, stressing that it was not simply bomb-making materials but a complete explosive.
_x000D_He warned the device had the potential to cause extensive destruction had it reached its intended destination.
_x000D_Kelly also confirmed the operation was intelligence-led and based on information gathered about those allegedly involved.
_x000D_ _x000D_Irish Government Praises Security Operation
_x000D_Irish Justice Minister Jim O’Callaghan described the discovery as deeply concerning, saying it highlighted the continuing threat posed by dissident republican organisations.
_x000D_He praised Irish police for preventing what he called a potentially devastating terrorist attack and confirmed the explosive device had been safely defused.
_x000D_The minister added that authorities remain committed to disrupting extremist activities before they threaten public safety.
_x000D_ _x000D_Cross-Border Security Cooperation Continues
_x000D_Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant thanked Irish authorities for their swift response, saying the operation undoubtedly saved lives on both sides of the border.
_x000D_The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) also praised the successful operation, describing it as another example of strong security cooperation between British and Irish law enforcement agencies.
_x000D_Officials confirmed both police services will continue sharing intelligence throughout the investigation.
_x000D_ _x000D_Political Leaders Condemn Planned Attack
_x000D_Northern Ireland First Minister Michelle O’Neill condemned those responsible, saying they represented only a destructive agenda with no public support.
_x000D_Democratic Unionist Party leader Gavin Robinson said the incident raised serious concerns about the ongoing threat from dissident republican groups.
_x000D_Justice Minister Naomi Long also strongly condemned the planned attack, stating there could never be any justification for violence that puts innocent lives at risk.
_x000D_Leaders from the SDLP, Ulster Unionist Party and Ireland’s Fine Gael similarly praised Irish police and defence forces for preventing what could have become another deadly attack.
_x000D_ _x000D_Dissident Republican Threat Remains
_x000D_Dissident republican organisations continue to reject the 1998 Good Friday Agreement, which largely ended decades of violence known as the Troubles.
_x000D_Although groups such as the New IRA are significantly smaller than the former Provisional IRA, they continue to possess explosives, firearms and improvised weapons capable of carrying out deadly attacks.
_x000D_Security agencies on both sides of the Irish border say they remain committed to disrupting these organisations and preventing future acts of terrorism.
