The Special Criminal Court yesterday granted bail to a Dublin man arrested during Garda investigations into the activities of dissident republicans.
Glen Mallon (33), Bancroft Avenue, Tallaght, was charged on Monday with the unlawful possession of 238 rounds of ammunition at the Tallaght bypass and the unlawful control of a .22 bolt action rifle at Hanbri House, Monasterevin, Co Kildare on September 3rd.
He was also charged with membership of an illegal organisation styling itself the Irish Republican Army, otherwise Óglaigh na hÉireann, otherwise the IRA on the same date.
Opposing bail, Det Supt Diarmuid O'Sullivan said he believed Mr Mallon would continue his activities for an illegal organisation in procuring firearms and ammunition if given bail. He said Mr Mallon was arrested on the Tallaght bypass and gardaí found 238 rounds of ammunition in his van when it was searched.
In a follow-up search of a house at Monasterevin, gardaí recovered a rifle with a telescopic sight and more ammunition.
Judge Joseph Matthews said the court was mindful of Supt O'Sullivan's objections and the seriousness of the offences but also of the accused's presumption of innocence.
The court approved bail on Mr Mallon's own bond of €1,000, an independent surety of €20,000, and on condition that he sign on twice daily at Tallaght Garda station, observe a daily curfew between 11pm and 7am and undertake not to be associated with anyone convicted of a scheduled offence.
The court heard that Mr Mallon was not in a position to take up bail and he was remanded in custody with consent to bail until September 14th.