The Gardaí intercepted a car on the N2 at Aclint, Carrickmacross carrying a fully assembled bomb believed intended for Northern Ireland in a suspected New IRA operation. The device contained Semtex, a detonator and a power unit and was rendered safe by army bomb-disposal teams. Two suspects were arrested — a 25-year-old woman has been charged — and investigators say the seizure was one of the most sophisticated since the Troubles. Police warn of ongoing radicalisation and are working with PSNI and UK intelligence as inquiries continue.
Gardaí Intercept 'Significant' Fully Assembled Bomb Bound for Northern Ireland in Suspected New IRA Plot
Isobella Perrie Sullivan appearing before a special sitting of Trim District Court in Co Meath - Damien Eagers/PA
Irish police intercepted a car carrying a fully assembled explosive device described as "significant" while it was being driven toward Northern Ireland in what investigators believe was a New IRA operation.
The vehicle was stopped on the N2 at Aclint, Carrickmacross, Co. Monaghan at about 3pm on Wednesday in an operation led by the Garda Special Detective Unit. Officers discovered a bag containing military-grade plastic explosive (Semtex), a detonator and a power unit; army explosive ordnance disposal teams made the device safe and removed it for forensic analysis.
Justin Kelly, the Garda Commissioner, said young people were being radicalised and drawn to the Republican cause - Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Two people were arrested: a 25-year-old woman, law student Isobella Perrie Sullivan, who has been charged with possession of explosives after appearing at a special sitting of Trim District Court, and a man in his 40s who remains in custody in the Dublin area. Sullivan's solicitor said she had been asked to transport a bag to Northern Ireland and claimed not to have known its contents.
Sources quoted in the Irish Independent and The Irish Times said the device was the most sophisticated seizure since the Troubles and underlined the continuing risk posed by dissident republican groups on both sides of the border. Investigators believe the bomb had been intended to be attached to a vehicle once it crossed into Northern Ireland.
Police examine the wreckage of the Dunmurry police station bomb - Niall Carson / PA
Justin Kelly, Garda Commissioner: "To be clear, what we found was an extremely significant seizure. This was a significant explosive device, not just a seizure of components or pieces. It could have potentially caused significant damage."
Commissioner Kelly described those who remain armed as "radicalised republicans" and confirmed close cooperation with UK intelligence and the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI). Minister for Justice Jim O'Callaghan called the incident "very worrying" and praised cross-border policing co‑operation.
Michelle O'Neill, Northern Ireland's First Minister, said the interception had "prevented devastation" and warned that such actions served only to undermine the peace that communities are building. Officials also highlighted concerns that young people are being targeted for radicalisation.
Police investigations are ongoing to identify others involved, including the alleged bomb-maker. Sources say the device is thought to have been engineered in Dublin. The New IRA has been linked to other recent attacks and attempts, including the attempted murder of former DCI John Caldwell in February 2023 and separate incidents involving improvised devices placed at police stations in Dunmurry and Lurgan.
Forensic teams continue to examine the device and related evidence as part of a wider probe into dissident republican activity. Authorities say the seizure likely prevented significant loss of life and emphasised the importance of continued cross-border intelligence sharing.
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