A Louth man has appeared before a Sunday sitting of the Special Criminal Court charged with membership of the IRA and two counts of the possession of firearms.
Owen McCann (35) was arrested in Dundalk on Friday afternoon by members of the Special Detective Unit as part of an ongoing operation targeting dissident republican activity.
Mr McCann, of Annaloughan, Jenkinstown, Dundalk, Co Louth, is charged with membership of an unlawful organisation within the State, namely Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise known as the Irish Republican Army, otherwise known as the IRA, on December 18th, 2015.
Mr McCann is also charged with two counts of possession of firearms, including a rifle, conversion kit for pistols and ammunition, on December 17th, 2015.
Det Sgt Padraig Boyce told acting chief prosecution solicitor Mr Liam Mulholland that he formally arrested the accused in The Crescent, Dundalk, Co Louth.
Det Sgt Boyce said he introduced himself to Mr McCann and explained the reasons for his arrest in ordinary language.
Det Sgt Boyce said Mr McCann made no reply.
He said that he then brought him to Dundalk Garda station.
Bail application
Counsel for Mr McCann, Mr Conan Fegan BL, said he understood the court was suggesting that a bail application might be dealt with on Tuesday morning next, which the court agreed with.
Mr Fegan applied for legal aid and Mr Mulholland confirmed there was no objection to this application.
Presiding judge Mr Justice Paul Butler, sitting with Judge John O'Hagan and Judge Ann Ryan, remanded Mr McCann in custody until Tuesday morning.