Monaghan man arrested in connection with arms cache discovery is released on bail

A 43-year-old man from Monaghan charged with membership of an unlawful organisation was released on bail at the Special Criminal Court in Dublin today, contrary to gardai objections. The man was arrested in Carrickmacross last month during investigations into dissident republican activity, which uncovered a cache of firearms and explosive components. He is charged with membership of an organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army on 25 November 2015. The Special Detective Unit objected to bail on grounds of offence seriousness, but the three-judge court found the defendant entitled to bail given the charge category, absence of previous convictions, and community ties. He was released on his own bond of €20,000 subject to strict conditions, including daily signing at Monaghan garda station, a night-time curfew, passport surrender, and travel restrictions.