Irish and British ministers speak out after bomb discovered close to Northern Ireland border
Irish and British ministers have spoken out in condemnation of the latest dissident plot: the attempted smuggling of a bomb from Co Monaghan into Northern Ireland.
Ireland’s Minister for Justice Jim O’Callaghan described the seizure by gardai on Wednesday – which has just come to light this afternoon – as “very worrying”.
“I think it is very significant,” he said.
“I’ve been updated on that by the (Garda) Commissioner.
"I think it evidences the fact that there is an ongoing threat in respect of dissident republican activity.
“But I also know that there’s been great cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana, and I think I suppose the developments recently and the work of An Garda Siochana indicate the benefits of having that close cooperation between the PSNI and An Garda Siochana.”
He said there was undoubtedly an “ongoing threat” from dissident republicanism, and “we need to recognise that”.
The new Northern Ireland Secretary Sir Chris Bryant, who took up his post four days ago, wrote on social media: “Huge thanks to An Garda Siochana for their quick, decisive action in Co Monaghan.
“Intercepting a dangerous device like this undoubtedly saved lives and kept communities safe on both sides of the border.
“Strong cross-border security cooperation remains as vital as ever.”
PSNI Assistant Chief Constable Davy Beck said police on both sides of the Irish border shared a “joint commitment” to tackle the dissident republican terror threat.
“I very much welcome this significant seizure and the arrests made by our colleagues in An Garda Siochana, with whom we work very closely on a daily basis,” he said.
“This underlines our joint commitment to address the threat posed by violent dissident republican groups and keep communities safe.
“We will continue to liaise closely with An Garda Siochana in relation to their investigation, and provide any support as required.