Courts / Louth / Report

Man accused of directing the IRA recorded discussing explosives operation prior to Royal visit, court hears

Date
2017-10-06

Stage
Charge Or Pretrial

Primary locality
Louth

County
Louth

Summary

The Special Criminal Court has heard the opening of the trial of Seamus McGrane, 63, of Dromiskin, County Louth. Mr McGrane has pleaded not guilty to directing the activities of an unlawful organization, the IRA, between April 19 and May 13, 2015, and to membership of the IRA between January 18, 2010, and May 13, 2015. Prosecuting counsel Tara Burns SC stated that the case relies on audio recordings made at the Coachman's Inn in Dublin on April 19 and May 10, 2015. The prosecution alleges that McGrane directed Donal O'Coisdealbha to contact individuals for explosives supplies and discussed manufacturing rockets and mortars in the run-up to Prince Charles's state visit. The court will hear evidence that McGrane directed the operation to be "symbolic and of military significance" and "not to be an embarrassment." Evidence will also include a search of a house in Courttown, County Wexford, where explosive substances were found, and searches of McGrane's properties in Dundalk where similar items were allegedly discovered. McGrane was arrested on May 13, 2015. The trial is currently ongoing before Justice Isobel Kennedy, Judge Sinéad Ní Chúlacháin, and Judge Cormac Dunne, and resumes on Monday.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Man accused of directing the IRA recorded discussing explosives operation prior to Royal visit, court hears. Charges or matters: directing the activities of an unlawful organization; membership of the IRA. Procedural stage: charge_or_pretrial

When: