SEFF calls for more investment to combat dissident republicans after Garda Semtex bomb interception - INNL-26-07-26-SEFFbomb-NIR
A leading victims campaigner has called on governments in London and Dublin to ramp up investment in combatting dissident republicans after a ready-to-use bomb was intercepted on its way into Northern Ireland.
Kenny Donaldson, Director of SEFF, was speaking after an employee at a Dublin museum was remanded in custody after appearing in court charged with possession of explosives that were intercepted in a car near the Irish border.
Simon O’Donovan, 44, with an address at Sperrin Road in Drimnagh, appeared before the Special Criminal Court at the Criminal Courts of Justice in Dublin on Saturday evening.
The court was told during this hearing that he was employed at the Collins Barracks National Museum.
He blew kisses to his supporters in court before being remanded in custody.
On Wednesday, gardaí stopped and searched a vehicle travelling on the N2 near Carrickmacross in Co Monaghan.
Law student Isobella Perrie Sullivan, 25, of Abbeylands Park in Clane, Co Kildare, appeared before a district court on Friday, charged with possession of explosives in relation to the case.
Mr Donaldson said the situation was "an extremely worrying development on many levels," particularly because the bomb was ready for use.
He also expressed concern that generally speaking, dissident groups are engaging in ongoing recruitment and radicalisation of "a new generation of young people”.
“We have long since made the point that the policy of dumbing down the risk posed by so-called ‘dissident’ republicans was deeply flawed," he added.
“Thankfully the bomb has been stopped this time however to maximise the chances of future terror efforts being thwarted we need investment in our policing, security and intelligence services on both sides of the border.
“This latest foiled attack must signal a new commitment and direction change by Governments in London, Belfast and Dublin. Failing to invest in the security of our people is reckless and failing to staff Police services with sufficient numerical strength is not sustainable.
“Terrorism is clearly becoming emboldened and sees weaknesses in our offerings abroad from both States and they sought to exploit this.”
He commended An Garda Siochana for intercepting the bomb and early arrests, but said security forces must be permanently vigilant to combat such threats whereas terrorists "need to be only successful once”.