Courts / Dublin / Report

Explosive device allegedly stored in National Museum at Collins' Barracks

Date
2026-07-25

Stage
Trial

Primary locality
Dublin

County
Dublin

Summary

A Dublin man, Simon O'Donovan, has been denied bail following a charge of possession of an explosive device in connection with the alleged discovery of a bomb in a car in Co Monaghan. The court heard that the device was allegedly stored in the National Museum at Collins' Barracks where O'Donovan worked. Gardai believe that if O'Donovan were released on bail, he would engage in acts to further the objectives of the dissident Republican group, the New IRA. O'Donovan was arrested after a car carrying the device was stopped on the N2. The device contained 394g of Semtex, a timer switch, and a viable detonator. Gardai objected to bail, citing the risk of O'Donovan interfering with the investigative process and continuing to engage in IRA operational activity. The court ruled that no bail conditions would allay the concerns of gardai and refused bail. A 25-year-old woman, Isobella Perrie Sullivan, was also charged in relation to the same incident and remanded in custody.

Who, what, where, when and why

What: Report matter: Explosive device allegedly stored in National Museum at Collins' Barracks. Charges or matters: possession of explosives at a special sitting of Trim District Court. Procedural stage: trial

When:

July 2026 Incident
July 23 Incident
July 22 Incident
2026-07-25 Publication

Case subjects

Simon O'Donovan

Accused

Charges: possession of explosives at a special sitting of Trim District Court (Alleged Or Contested)

Outcome: The Special Criminal Court hearing was concluded and adjourned until Monday before Mr O'Donovan applied for bail before High Court judge, Mr Justice Patrick McGrath.