"Well made and viable" IEDs found in car stopped by gardai, trial hears

The Special Criminal Court has heard evidence that two "very well-made" and "viable" improvised explosive devices were discovered in a vehicle stopped by gardai on the N52 in County Meath. Michael Connolly, aged 44 and from Grange Drive in Dundalk, County Louth, has pleaded not guilty to membership of an unlawful organisation styling itself Oglaigh na hEireann, otherwise the IRA, on 16 December 2014. The prosecution alleges Mr Connolly was observed driving in convoy with a man who was later found with the two devices. A retired army captain and a detective garda gave expert testimony describing the IEDs as cylindrical plastic containers powered by nine-volt batteries, each containing a timing unit programmed for approximately eight hours and pyrotechnic material. Both devices were confirmed as completed and viable. The trial continues before Mr Justice Tony Hunt, presiding with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Flann Brennan.